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Brazilian national team forward 29-year-old Ronaldo stated that patience was the key to his success, allowing him to play excellently in the match against the Japan national team, which the South Americans won 4-1. In the match, Ronaldo scored twice (in the 45th and 81st minutes), silencing all skeptics who had criticized Brazil for its poor performance.
Ronaldo faced a huge wave of criticism after the first two appearances of the Brazil national team in the World Cup. In both matches, the player seemed to be in his own shadow and did not show the type of game that many were accustomed to.
"I am very happy that during the tournament, both physically and technically, I made such great progress," Ronaldo joyfully expressed. "Patience is the key. I managed to stay calm and patient."
In the match against Japan, we saw the old, familiar Ronaldo. The one we saw in the 2002 World Cup. In the 7th and 20th minutes, Ronaldo made the Japanese goalkeeper sweat and push away dangerous shots from the Brazilian. The excellent performance of the player was crowned with a goal scored in the first minute of additional time. After a great pass from Juninho into the penalty area, Ronaldo's header left no chance for Kawaguchi. However, as it later turned out, one goal was not enough for the forward. In the 81st minute, after playing a "wall" with Juan, Ronaldo scored his second goal.
Having scored twice in the World Cup, Ronaldo has already scored 14 goals and surpassed the former record-holder, German Gerd Muller. Both players have 14 goals in their accounts, but it is worth noting that Ronaldo will have more opportunities to score.
"Ronaldo is not in his best form yet, but step by step, he is getting closer to it," said Brazil's national team coach Carlos Alberto Perreira. "I am confident that in every match, his game will only improve."
