Brazil Coach defends troubled Ronaldo

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MUNICH, June 19: Ronaldo is set to continue in the Brazil team after coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he had given a much-improved performance in the 2-0 World Cup Group F win over Australia yesterday.

The ''Phenomenal One'', top scorer in the 2002 World Cup with eight goals, was still a shadow of his former self and was again substituted, as he was in the 1-0 win over Croatia.

But Parreira believed that the 29-year-old, who has been troubled by blisters on his feet, a bout of nausea and speculation that he is overweight, had stepped up from his dismal display against the Croatians.

''There was a significant improvement,'' Parreira told reporters after his side booked their place in the last 16 with one match to spare.

''He still needs to play more games and get more rhythm,'' added Parreira, implying that Ronaldo will again start the final group match against Japan on Thursday.

''He needs games to get fit and be able to play 90 minutes.''

Ronaldo provided the pass from which Adriano scored the first goal and also a neat flick from which Kaka nearly gave Brazil an early lead.

But there were several low points.

In the 37th minute, Kaka provided him with a clear shooting chance but Ronaldo missed the ball completely.

He wasted another attack just before halftime when he had a chance to send Roberto Carlos clean through on goal but completely mis-placed his pass.

Brazil livened up considerably when Ronaldo was replaced by Robinho in the 70th minute with Brazil 1-0 ahead.

But Parreira played down the substitution.

''It's completely different to start the game and to come on for the last 20 minutes,'' said Parreira.

''When Robinho came on, Australia were playing with three strikers and there were lots of spaces. We need to know how to use Robinho.'' He added that it was not easy to take Ronaldo off the field.

''It's never easy to substitute any player,'' he said. ''But he will improve. Today, he felt much more at home than he did against Croatia.''

REUTERS