Ronaldo achieves striking greatness

Ronaldo became the leading scorer in World Cup finals history when he struck early in Brazil's last-16 match against Ghana in Dortmund.

The Real Madrid striker slotted home after just four minutes to score his third goal in Germany.

It means the 29-year-old exceeded the record set by Gerd Muller, which he equalled against Japan, and has now scored a total of 15 goals at World Cup finals.

Ronaldo made his first finals appearance as a 17-year-old with the victorious team in the United States in 1994.

Four years later he was a regular in the team, scoring four goals and supplying four assists as Brazil cruised through to the final where they were considered favourites to beat hosts France.

However, Ronaldo suffered a mysterious convulsive fit prior to the game which heralded one of the biggest mysteries in football history.

The striker's name was originally omitted from the team-sheet only to reappear just in time for kick-off, but Ronaldo's effectiveness was severely reduced and he was eclipsed by Zinedine Zidane in a one-sided 3-0 victory for Les Bleus.

There has never been an adequate explanation, with Brazil team doctor Lidio Toledo eventually forced to reveal Ronaldo had a fit in his sleep before being cleared to play after neurological and cardiac tests, with the player insisting he was fit to take part.

There were claims sponsors Nike had put pressure on coach Mario Zagalo to play Ronaldo although these were hotly denied.

The World Cup in Japan and South Korea four years later represented the high point of Ronaldo's international career as he scored two spectacular goals against Germany in the final to hand Brazil a record fifth crown.

It also meant he finished the tournament's top scorer with eight goals.

This year's finals has seen Ronaldo criticised for appearing unfit and he was substituted in the group games against Croatia and Australia.

Despite calls for him to be dropped Ronaldo started against Japan and a brace saw him draw level with Muller.

Today's strike now sees the man from Brazil write his name into the record books.