By Parke Brewer
Dortmund
27 June 2006

The game was barely underway when Brazil got on the scoreboard. In the fifth minute, veteran star forward Ronaldo received a well-timed pass that beat Ghana's offsides trap. He faked out Ghana's goalie Richard Kingson at the top of the box and put himself in the history books.

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Brazilian midfielder Ronaldo (R) fights for the ball with Ghanaian defender John Pantsil, Tuesday   
  
The goal was Ronaldo's 15th in World Cup play, breaking the scoring record held by German Gerd Mueller. Ronaldo has compiled his mark in 18 games in three tournaments.

His coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, said Ronaldo is deserving of the record.

"We never had a doubt that Ronaldo would be a very useful footballer for the Brazilian national team because Ronaldo is a special player, he said. "He's a top scorer. He is a player for the big and good moments."

Brazil's second goal against Ghana came just before halftime from Adriano, who appeared to off-sides, and the third and final goal was scored by Ze Roberto in the 84th minute.

Ze Roberto was named Man of the Match, but said there are bigger goals in mind.

"I was very happy," he said. "For the second time I've been chosen Man of the Match, and even more happy that we've reached the quarterfinals, and the dream is still alive, which is to be world champion."

Brazil's coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Ghana put up a good fight.

"It wasn't easy, and we knew it wasn't going to be easy," he said. "Three-nil seems like it was an easy game, but it wasn't."

Ratomir Dujkovic  
  
Ghana's Serbian coach Ratomir Dujkovic said despite the loss, Ghana represented Africa well and battled hard in every game.

"I'm very proud of our players," he said. "They fought from the beginning of our first match until the last minute in today's match, when we get out [were eliminated]. And in the future I believe the Black Stars from Ghana will show you more than they did in this competition."

Ghana heads home after an admirable performance in its first ever World Cup by reaching the second round, and Brazil moves on to the quarterfinals.