O Fenômeno
28 June 2006, 12:30
On June 16, 1998, twenty-one-year-old Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored his first World Cup goal. It was in the ninth minute of the first round match against Morocco. Rivaldo played it forward to Ronaldo, who was open at the top of the penalty area. He took the ball out of the air, striking it first time into the back of the net. It looked easy.
Ronaldo is called “O Fenômeno.” He has scored 13 more World Cup goals since that Morocco match, including a spectacular individual effort against Turkey in the 2002 semifinal. Ronaldo coasted past two defenders and placed the ball in the far corner. He switched so quickly from dribbling to shooting that it still seems surprising. Brazil won 1-0. In the final against Germany, there were two more for the big round attacker. His second was typical Ronaldo. He received the ball at the edge of the area with only one defender on him, moved a foot to his right and fired into the corner. Game over.
For all we know, Ronaldo may be having panic attacks before each game. On the field, he still makes it look easy. Scoring is his calling. Yesterday’s goal, which made Fat Ron the single most prolific scorer in World Cup history, was another work of magic. A perfect through ball from Kaka leaves the lumbering assassin alone in front of goal. He hesitates and steps over the ball (Did he even need to, or was it just icing on the cake?) Just like that he leaves the keeper behind him. Goal. Phenomenal.
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