Brazil 4-1 Japan

Brazil romped to a 4-1 win over Japan in their last match of Group F and finally began to show a little samba in their play.

Japan scored first in the 34th minute when full-back Alex plays in striker Keiji Tamada, whose first-time left-foot shot flies past Dida at the near post. When it seemed like Japan will carry the shock lead into the second half, Ronaldo headed in his first goal of the World Cup 2006 in the 46th minute, converting from close range after Cicinho heads a Ronaldinho cross back across the face of goal.

In the 53rd minute, Juninho fires in a shot from around 30 metres which goes straight through Kawaguchi's hands. In the 59th minute, Ronaldinho produced a slide-rule pass for Gilberto to break down the left and place the third past Kawaguchi. The party was not over yet as in the 81st minute, Ronaldo swivels and curls in a shot from the edge of the box.

Ronaldo has now scored 14 goals in the World Cup, matching Gerd Mueller's record. His goal capped the Brazilian's crushing victory over the Japanese and a wonderful display of flowing football for the first time in this tournament. After suffering from all the stinging criticisms, Ronaldo has finally put on his scoring boots, something which will leave their opponents greatly troubled. He is still not in the best of physical shape but Soccer Pundit is willing to venture that this performance is no flash in the pan. Ronaldo will be the man to watch in subsequent matches.

Ronaldinho, another outstanding player, who looked subduded in the previous two games, was more lively and finally showed why he is the best footballer in the world with the fine touches and moves he displayed effortlessly for his club Barcelona. He still has a lot more to answer to critics (a responsiblity that comes from being the best player) that he cannot perform for the country and is mediocre at international level but this is a match which will put some criticisms to rest.

Soccer Pundit feels it won't be smooth sailing for the Brazilians as they now face Ghana in the last 16. Physically and technically, Ghana will pose a very strong challenge and Brazil will have to be at its best. However, they seem to be peaking at the right time so the next match will be an interesting one...