Brazil striker Ronaldo became the all-time World Cup scoring leader with 15 career goals, helping the defending champions defeat Ghana 3-0 on Tuesday to capture a berth in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Ronaldo scored the historic goal with a spectacular solo effort in the fifth minute, racing past Ghana’s defence for a pass from Kaka that set him up alone against Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson.
The 29-year-old Real Madrid forward faked right then used his trademark stepover move to switch left, leaving the goalkeeper sprawled behind him as he flicked the ball into the net ahead of defender John Pantsil.
Adriano scored in first-half injury time and Ze Roberto added another in the 84th minute of the second-round match as Brazil advanced to face either Spain or France on Saturday at Frankfurt.
Ronaldo moved past Germany’s Gerd Muller, who had a total of 14 in the 1970 and 1974 Cups, with his third goal of this year’s tournament, the others coming in a 4-1 first-round triumph over Japan.
Ronaldo scored four in the 1998 World Cup and eight more in 2002.
Joyous teammates mobbed Ronaldo in celebration and delighted Brazilian supporters chanted his name in tribute after his 62nd goal in 96 appearances for his homeland.
The five-time World Cup winners doubled their edge in first-half injury time when a cross from Brazilian captain Cafu bounced off defender Illiasu Shilla and onto Adriano’s thigh before finding its way across the goal-line.
Cafu, a 36-year-old AC Milan fullback, set a Brazil record with his 19th World Cup appearance as the South Americans stretched their World Cup winning streak to 11 matches.
Ghana pressed into attack in the second half, but had no answer for the Brazil defence, even before forward Asamoah Gyan’s sending-off in the 81st minute after a second yellow card.
Ze Roberto delivered a final dagger to the Cup debutantes’ dream six minutes from full time, nudging a high ball past Kingson near the top of the penalty area and speeding past him for a tap-in.
John Mensah’s header from point-blank range in the 42nd minute proved Ghana’s best chance but the ball bounced off the right leg of Brazil goalkeeper Dida and out of danger.
The Black Stars, who upset second-rated Czech Republic to become the lone African squad in the final 16, were without Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, suspended after two first-round yellow cards.
Brazil striker Robinho was out with a sore right thigh. — AFP
