Double delight as Ronaldo equals record

A RONALDO-inspired Brazil battled back from a goal down to beat Japan and eliminate the Asian champions from the tournament.

The Real Madrid forward equalled Gerd Muller’s World Cup scoring record of 14, with a goal in each half, after Keiji Tamada had given Japan an unlikely lead in the 34th minute. Japanese goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi frustrated Brazil with a string of fine saves until first-half injury-time, when Ronaldo equalised.

Second-half goals from Juninho Pernambucano and Gilberto guaranteed Brazil the win before Ronaldo rounded off the victory with a curling finish from the edge of the area.