Brazil beats Japan behind 2 Ronaldo goals
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-23 07:32 After Ronaldo tied it at the end of the half, Brazil took the game over in
the second half. Juninho, replacing regular starter Ze Roberto, scored in the
53rd minute with a shot from about 25 yards that appeared to change directions
at the last minute and fool Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.
Gilberto, replacing Roberto Carlos, got Brazil's third goal in the 59th after
a neat through pass from Ronaldinho. Gilberto entered the area unmarked and sent
a low left-footer past Kawaguchi.
The goal by Japan ended Brazil's string of four straight World Cup shutouts
since beating England 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2002 tournament. Brazil
could have equaled Italy's record of five straight shutouts in the 1990 World
Cup.
Parreira's changes to the lineup — leaving out veteran wingers Cafu and
Roberto Carlos, midfielders Emerson and Ze Roberto and striker Adriano — worked
from the beginning.
Cicinho, Gilberto, Gilberto Silva, Juninho and Robinho all played well and
contributed to Brazil's victory.
"We're all here because we want to play, but we have to respect the opinion
of Parreira and only he knows what he has in his head," Robinho said. "But we
have to work hard because tomorrow, at any moment, he might ask us to play
(again)."
Robinho, who had substituted for Ronaldo in the first two matches, added
speed to Brazil's attack from the start, creating several scoring opportunities
and setting up his teammates in several occasions.
Despite the goal allowed, Brazil controlled possession and dominated most of
the match, only failing to get more goals because of saves by Kawaguchi.
Brazil had struggled in its first victories over Croatia and Australia. The
defending champions, who entered the tournament heavily favored to win a record
sixth title, performed well below expectations, being heavily challenged and
failing to impress.
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