YOKOHAMA, Japan, 29 June — Brazil star Ronaldo believes the secret of his success at the World Cup has been the sparkling form of his teammates. Ronaldo, who has scored six goals in six games to help Brazil reach tomorrow’s final against Germany, said he did not feel other members of the squad were relying on him to win matches.
Four years ago, Ronaldo suffered a mysterious fit in the hours before the World Cup final against France, which reports have speculated was the result of too much pressure being put on him.
But a relaxed Ronaldo said after training here yesterday that he felt no added burden going into his second final.
“The most important thing is that the team does not make me feel as if I’m a savior, and that takes the pressure off me,” Ronaldo told reporters.
“I’m calm. Everyone keeps asking me about 1998 but I honestly am not thinking about it,” he said. “I’m trying not to make any link between this game and four years ago. That’s another story and I’m hoping that the end will be different this time.
“The match against France was the most important of our lives, this time we want to be the winners. I always knew I would play another World Cup final and I have worked hard to achieve that.
“All I am focused on is playing a good game against Germany and hopefully winning the title with the team.
The return of Ronaldinho, back in the Brazil starting lineup after serving a one-match suspension, had also given the South Americans a lift.
“That is a big plus for us,” Ronaldo said. “We have replaced him very well, but he is a match-winning player.”
