LiveBlog: Japan-Brazil

June 22nd, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

Brazil trailed for a bit but roared back as Ronaldo recorded a historic brace. You can read the play-by-play below and leave your comments on the match and on both teams.

Final: Japan 1-4 Brazil

Full time History was made as Ronaldo scored a pair of goals to tie for the all time World Cup lead. Japan actually had the lead in the first half but Brazil roared back to score 4 goals and to capture the top spot in Group F. Japan’s World Cup is over. Thanks for joining me. We’ll be doing this until July 9 if my fingers don’t fall off first. Be safe and enjoy this wonderful time to be alive.

89:23 Sorry folks, Fred will not be playing in this game. Neither will Barney.

88:32 German tv letting me down with no crowd shots of the Brazil babes. Lots of close ups of Ronaldo. Not a fair trade in my book.

87:34 Absoultely madness in the other game. Not that I am jealous or anything. Let’s all pray for no added time so I can fully watch the finish of the Croatia game.

86:12 Japan with a close shot off a free kick but honestly Japan didn’t even bother to show up after halftime. Zico has to be displeased with his team’s effort.

84:45 This is exactly the type of game Brazil wanted before the knockout stage. They get back on track and Ronaldo gets the monkey off his stomach.

83:34 Is it me or did Ronaldo lose weight this game? He must have had a crash diet after the 35th minute. Nice game from the big fella.

82:23 Ronaldo’s 14th goal of his World Cup career is met with some polite cheers. Ceni in for Dida as Brazil makes a rare keeper switch now that the game is over.

80:34 GOALLLL!!! Ronaldo with a blast from the top of the box. He is now tied for the all time World Cup scoring record after getting a brace tonight.

80:02 Even Zico would prefer to watch the other game. He can’t blame Japan’s play on the hot weather this time. It is a great night in Germany. I might even go for a stroll after the game or for the last 10 minutes.

78:15 Australia just scored, but I bet you knew that.

78:12 Two reasons to keep watching: the possibility of seeing a guy named Fred and more crowd shots of the Brazil female supporters.

76:21 Has this been Brazil’s best performance of the tournament? Perhaps, but for the first 45 minutes they didn’t look like champions. They have worn down Japan and gotten the job done again.

75:01 Shot of Bob Carlos taking a nap in front of the Brazil bench. Can’t say I blame him. Sleep sounds good right about now. But we forge on…

74:21 The only drama left is will we see Fred. Everyone loves a guy named Fred.

72:49 Sorry, but the other game is turning out the be a real cracker. Croatia up 2-1 but Australia attacking like mad.

72:34 I think he is keeping Ronaldo on so that he can take a stab at the record against a Japan team that has no answer for him.

71:23 Ricardinho and Ze Roberto coming on for Brazil. Kaka and Ronaldinho get to sit and enjoy the final 20.

70:01 Anyone else think that Robinho deserves to start next game?

68:34 Robinho breaks free and unselfishly tries to find Ronaldo across the box but #9 is a few steps to slow and it goes out of bounds.

68:21 Brazil giving new definition to the term pass and the they get bored and give it to Japan. I bet this is how the next 20 minutes will be. Pass, pass, pass, give away.

66:45 Japan’s offense has either been eaten by godzilla or was left in the locker room at halftime.

66:23Cincinho takes down Alex outside the box. Takahara is out and Ogouro is in.

64:45 It has taken 2.5 games but we are finally seeing a bit of the Brazil that most people expected before the World Cup started.

63:45 If I weren’t liveblogging I would probably switch over to the other game. Anyone mind if I do that game instead? Just kidding. Still lots of time to type GOALLLLL.

62:54 Couldn’t get any worse for Japan with Naohiro Takahara down on the ground holding his knee and crying like a little baby. Can’t fault him for that. He looks pretty badly hurt.

61:12 Brazil with no shortage of room to move. Now it is becoming a matter of how much they want to win by. Will they pull Ronaldinho and Ronaldo soon or will they be allowed to play in the reindeer games?

60:12 Like I said earlier, Brazil will rout them now. Never listen to me. Just play along and know that you know more than I do.

58:53 GOALLLL!!! Gilberto wide open and he hits the net. The rout is on.

57:56 I’m going to go out on a limb and say Japan isn’t going to advance to the round of 16. Go ahead, Japan, prove me wrong.

56:33 Croatia goal against Australia and right now it looks like 1. Brazil 2. Croatia. Still plenty of time in that game for the Socceroos to come back.

55:45 Juninho would lead the World Cup in scoring if he shaved. That was a bomb. He looked like Bob Carlos. Japan with the sub as Nakata comes in for Ogasawara.

54:43 I had something really interesting to say about Kawaguchi but I deleted it. Bad liveblog error.

52:56 GOALLL!!!! Juninho blasts it from far and for once the Japan keeper is out of position and without hope.

52:45 Japan remembers that it has to score and decided to interrupt Brazil’s exhibition by attacking. It doesn’t work and we are back to Brazil showing the world how to pass back and forth and back and forth.

50:34 That was almost amazing. Ronaldinho settting up Ronaldo in the box as both players played a dandy combo ball. Ronaldo’s shot just wide.

50:12 Parreira has to occasionally get up from the Brazil bench and pretend he is coaching these guys.

49:44 Juninho did not shave at halftime. He should have.

48:34 We have yet to see a dominant performance from Brazil but they have gotten the job down. They are likely to face Ghana next round. I look forward to seeing Ghana’s speed up front against Brazil’s backline.

47:56 Of course Brazil is trying to prove me wrong by rolling it around and playing keep away from Japan. The men in blue are kind of chasing but not too hard.

46:34 Some people in the comments predicting a Brazil rout this half. I’m not so sure. Japan is overmatched but they usually give a good effort even if they are down, which they aren’t.

45:45 There are no subs this half so we are stuck with the same 22 from last half and you are stuck with the same liveblogger. My condolences.

45:01 We’re underway in the second half from Dortmund. Actually, I am in Berlin but that is minor technicality. Thanks for joining me. Japan needs to win and to win big to advance. That probably isn’t going to happen, but who cares? We all just want to watch some pretty football. Maybe we will actually see it this half. We also might see Ronaldo tie or break the all time World Cup goal scoring record. He needs one more to tie and two more to make it his own.

Halftime Japan hung tough with Brazil but it is a goal from Ronaldo just before the half that gives the champions momentum. I’m going to go study the tables a bit and I will be back at the start of the second half. Your thoughts on the first half and the game in general are appreciated.

45+ GOALLLL!! Ronaldo heads in a cross from Cincinho and he gets his 13th career World Cup goal just before the half ends.

44:34 Maki flicks on a free kick but it goes over the Brazil goal.

44:12 Japan not afraid to counter attack and why not. Their speed is exposing Brazil’s backline. Plus they need some goals to improve their goal differential. Gilberto is given a yellow card for a cross check (hockey term).

41:21 Ronaldinho with a run that ends with him lightly chipping it to the Japanese keeper.

40:45 Japan playing with new confidence and with the lead. Brazil continuing to largely sleepwalk through this World Cup.

39:12 Seiichiro Maki springs free for Japan but he is just offside. Kaji is shown a yellow for a tackle on Gilberto. First card for either side tonight.

38:45 Australia gets a goal to even things up against Croatia. Things are going Japan’s way thus far tonight. I love this drama.

37:34 Now we get to see how much Brazil cares about this game. They are done a goal and facing some minor adversity (by their standards)

36:34 After Japan scored there was a roar from outside in Berlin. That is one of the coolest parts of being in the country where the World Cup is being played. Everyone is into it each night.

35:32 A Japan win and a Croatia loss/draw will send them through. Who would have thought it could happen? Might be possible now.

34:23 Keiji Tamada takes a nice pass in the box and drills it top shelf with his left foot. Wow, Japan takes the lead. Double wow.

33:05 GOALLLLLLL! Japan GOALLLLL Japan

32:32 Ronaldo with a turn that doesn’t go anywhere. I don’t know about you but I am already thinking about my halftime snack. German chocolate and a beer refill. That is the breakfast of champions.

30:45 Croatia continues to lead 1-0 in the other match, while we have yet to see a score. Ronaldo has had some opportunities but is still scoreless this World Cup.

30:02 Brazil largely controlling the game but credit to Japan for not shying away from the attack. Ronaldo with another sorry move.

28:34 Ronaldinho has yet to show his magic this World Cup. He doesn’t look like the player we saw for Barcelona this year. He hasn’t been bad but certainly far from dominant.

27:45 Kaka earns a corner for Brazil and Lucio looks like he doesn’t belong on the defending champions team. That made me feel good about my poor spelling and first touch.

26:17 It is painful watching Ronaldo struggle to get up for a header. If he doesn;t score this game he might not score the rest of the tournament.

25:34 I agree with the comments about Japan’s keeper Kawaguchi. He has been brilliant this tournament. So were a number of the African keepers like my man Ricardo from Angola.

24:03 Kaji with some nice work for Japan, earns the corner but Brazil is able to get it out and start the attack again.

23:21 Robinho has an extra burst of speed that is quite impressive. I think I like Brazil better with him in there in place of Adriano. What do you think?

21:45 Juninho with a shot that would have gone in if he shaved this morning. Instead it is a corner for Brazil.

20:43 Sometime it looks like Brazil plays with an extra man. They always seem to have someone open.

19:41 Ronaldo getting very close to his 13th goal. He takes it but Japan’s keeper is able to knock it away. Good work tonight from Ronnie.

19:23 Still scoreless here and Croatia is leading Australia 1-0. Right now it would be Brazil and Croatia going through from Group F. That would be one of the rare groups I picked right.

18:02 Do you suppose Brazil is wearing white shorts because they are more slimming? Japan with the ball deep in the Brazil end. Japan’s forwards are less than impressive. I respect their midfield.

16:46 Brazil starting to pass and run and pass and run and pass and run and you get the point.

15:34 Robinho with a nifty back and forth move that leads to a shot that just goes over the bar. That was a flash of something special.

14:46 Japan with a shot but you will never score if you bleach your hair like Inamoto. That is the first rule of the World Cup.

13:34 Juninho forgot to shave today. He looks a bit evil. I’m sure he isn’t but he is no Bob Carlos.

12:34 They should let Pele and Zico play the final 10 minutes of the match. That would make it more interesting than Croatia-Australia for sure.

11:45 Even when Ronaldinho looks mortal he looks special. Ronaldo runs for a few seconds and then gives up on that idea.

10:47 Robinho with a strong shot that is saved by Kawaguchi, who has shown that he is a capable keeper.

10:45 After 2+ games liveblogging Brazil I still think my time would be better served liveblogging their Nike commercials.

9:23 Kaka with a shot that is wide and high. He had no shortage of time to set up and take that one. Japan will be in for a long night if they don’t tighten it up a bit.

7:57 I once went to a game in Japan. I was struck by the number of Brazilians that play in the J-League. The style of play in that league is entertaining. You should give it a look sometime.

6:23 Ronaldo with a move in the box and he gets off the left footed shot that is saved. The big guy working his way into shape? The Japan defense hopes not.

5:45 First backheel from Ronaldinho. Robinho looking active out there. Kaka a bit asleep. I know how he feels. All these games are tiring.

4:56 Apparently there is no German word for “body mass index”. That was just used in reference to Ronaldo. Not in a positive way I assume.

3:45 I faliled to do a good job cleaning my keyboard between games. Still sticky. Brazil cross and Ronaldo rises a cm off the ground to try to head it. Now that was almost effort.

2:03 Early goal from Croatia. Still no score in this game but the game is wide open and I expect to see a few tonight.

1:34 My left eye is seeing yellow and blue. My right eye is seeing yellow and checkers. Japan with a run but it goes for naught.

0:45 Brazil on the attack. This game started three seconds before the other one. The closest coordination I have seen yet.

Kickoff: We’re underway as Brazil looks to close out Group F and Japan hopes to keep its slim hopes of advancing to the next round alive. Thanks as always for joining me for another 90 minutes of finger pounding fun. Your comments are appreciated. Keep them clean, have fun and love one another. We’re all in this together so let’s have a blast.

3 minute countdown: Brazil’s anthem now. I should know the words considering I have heard it three times in the past two weeks. Dida is one good looking guy but I wouldn’t want to karaoake with him.

6 minute countdown: Japan anthem is played. Alex is really singing it. Good for him. Not my favorite anthem but I am sure somewhere someone else has goose bumps right now.

7 minute countdown: Who ate all the pies? Not Ronaldo but the French referee. He looks like a jolly fellow. Players out on the pitch. Brazil in yellow and Japan in blue.

8 minute countdown: The players are getting ready in the tunnel. Just a reminder that you can waste your entire day away by checking out our dueling liveblogs. Peter is holding down the fort with the Croatia-Australia match.

10 minute countdown: Incredible shots of the Brazilian female supporters err.. I mean there is a great atmosphere in Dortmund. Do I have enough time to take a cold shower?

15 minute countdown: There have been no godzilla sightings in Dortmund but will we see Beckenbauer? He was at the Italy-Czech game ealier and that is an easy helicopter flight for the Kaiser. We’ll also keep an eye out for Maradona who is like a rash that won’t go away. Actually, I love his enthusiasm. Just as I type Pele is being interviewed. He is predicting that every team will win the World Cup.

20 minute countdown: They just showed a graphic with Just Fontaine scoring 13 goals in the ‘58 tournament. Amazing. That is one record that will not fall. Ronaldo is still two goals away from Gerd Muller’s all-time record of 14 career World Cup goals. He might get that tonight if he runs a bit.

25 minute countdown: Brazil players joking around and doing magic tricks with the ball while they get ready for the game. I bet it is pretty special for Zico to coach against his country. I’d like Japan’s chances more if he were playing. It is 15C/59F in Dortmund for those of you who don’t have the German Weather Channel at home or work.

30 minute countdown: Your starting lineups. Robinho gets the start but it is Adriano and not Ronaldo who will be on the bench. I’m feeling a bit bloated tonight and I have a feeling watching Ronaldo waltz around isn’t going to help. Bob Carlos also not starting for Brazil.

Brazil
1. Dida, 3. Lucio, 4. Juan, 8. Kaka, 9. Ronaldo, 10. Ronaldinho, 13. Cincinho, 16. Gilberto, 17. Gilberto Silvia, 19. Juninho, 23. Robinho

Japan
23. Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, 7. Hidetoshi Nakata, 8. Mitsuo Ogasawara, 10. Shunsuke Nakamura, 11. Seiichiro Maki, 14. Alex, 17. Junichi Inamoto, 19. Keisuke Tsuboi, 20. Keiji Tamada, 21. Akira Kaji, 22. Yuji Nakazawa

40 minute countdown: Here is the significance of this game for both teams. For me, the significance is that this is the 43rd game I will have watched in the past 14 days. 44 if you count the Croatia-Australia match I will watch at the same time as this one. No wonder my eyes are in a constant state of pain. Copious amounts of beer and German chocolate aren’t helping either.

Brazil – The champions have clinched a berth in the final 16 and will win the group with one more point against Japan. Australia could pip Brazil to win the group if Brazil lose to Japan, Australia beat Croatia, and Australia finish with a better goal difference (Brazil +3, Australia 0).

Japan – Can qualify for the Round of 16 with a win over Brazil and a Croatia loss or draw against Australia. Japan can also qualify with a win and a Croatia win if they finish with a better goal difference than Croatia (Croatia currently -1, Japan -2).

50 minute countdown: Japan needs to go for broke in this game. Brazil needs to put on a display that shows they are ready for the next round. The game might not be a knock down drag out affair like Croatia vs. Australia but it could be a wide open match that is fun to watch. This will be my third time liveblogging Brazil. Not sure how the schedule got set up that way but the short one name players are a welcome relief after the Czech-Italy match earlier today.

Pregame: Will Brazil show up to play or is this Japan’s moment to shine?

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http://www.worldcupblog.org/game-previews/preview-japan-vs-brazil.html Preview: Japan vs. Brazil – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] LIVEBLOG Follow the match highlights as they happen on the Japan vs. Brazil LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match [...]
zaalim

This is for all you people who DISSED Ronaldo!!!!!

HAAAAH HAAAAH HAAAAAH
Cee

“Bob” Carlos? What kind of sh** is that?
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/ Euler

Ronaldo won’t play, I believe. Looks good for Brazil.
Deviilz.

Brasil’s odds im my part of country for this match:
1,1half goal advantage to Japan
(FYI. 1,1half goal adv to Japan means Brasil gotta win by 2 goals or more margin)
Possible…?
http://espn ANTE

CROATIA GOT SEOND AHAHHA

brazil 2-0
Dave

Waiting still for the Brazalian flair! and just a side note, since I arrived in the US 2 days ago, the espn commentators/announcers suck!!
Tom

I’m guessing Brazil 1-0. Brazil doesn’t have to play too hard in this one and Japan is too fragile to create scoring opportunities on the tougher Brazileños.
Keyser

Unless a godzilla monster appears and eats Ronaldinho and Juninho, cripple Robinho and Kaka and maul the rest of the scratch (with the exeption of ronaldo, who is very rich in fatty acids and therefore the godzilla would let him live), japan is going to lose.
So my prediction in a godzilla free match is BRA 2-0 JAP
futbol

3 – 0 brazil
ETucker

the Pele interview quote was HYSTERICAL.

He also thinks the US can still win it all, even though they did not qualify from their group.
ETucker

Brazil is playing a second string side…and will still win by two goals.

Bye bye Japan: hope you got to eat some Bratwurst while you were in Germany!
Keyser

finally juninho in the pitch!!! I need a beer!
GT

Brazil better stay sharp though. Careless overconfidence can get them into trouble. I want to see some cards though. Yellow is good but red makes it exciting.
ETucker

GT-

any fan of red cards should be LOVING this world cup. The refs have done a great job of detracting from the ame and gettin crucial face time for themselves!
GT

Hmmm, Japon is putting on the pressure.. testin the ranks I presume.
GT

Dang! Croatia has already scored. Someone should tell the coach to get of the other dude.
Keyser

ronaldo, next try try to jump. it my work.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Keyser, it’s not longer clear that Ronaldo couldn’t eat Godzilla first.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Man, I wish I could remember what Stephen Colbert said about Ronaldo last night. Something like, “I know what happened to your offense — Ronaldo ate them!”
GT

ETucker
No doubt! This has been a fantastic event so far. The refs are not joking when it comes to fouls. Sometimes it is out of order.
Bidemi

Crotia-Australia is a much better game. Derby match.
GT

CANON shots! Thats the Brazilian way. Watch out J, they’ll be coming in heavy.
GT

BAM! The canon goes off again.
Bidemi

Does Robinho reminds else of Pele?
James

Re: Bob’s comment about J-League… does anyone in the us know if they show J-League games on Fox Soccer Channel? That would seem to be the best bet.
Bidemi

worlds greatest free-kck taker is up
Trav

Sing along:

He ain’t heavy
He’s Ronaldo
GT

OK that was a nonsense shot. Ron should have known better and used his team.
Sam

Is Ronaldo putting on the pounds because he’s depressed that Ronaldinho has long-since taken the lime light away from him?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

why is Brazil not in their traditional yellow and green? they look undistinguished in this atrocious yellow-white combination
GT

Namoto trying to do something there…
Bidemi

Robnho=Pele junior.
GT

Now that! was “Joga Bonito” eh Brazil.
GT

What? he Japanese? Parents must have messed around with a GI
Bidemi

amazing save. save of the tournament if there is such a thing.
GT

Tell you what Japans goalie is earning his keep. major panic though. That dude has a hard head, that the second corner he’s deflected.
http://www.fussballwmblog.de/ Norbert

Brazil will win 3:0!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

No score after 30 minutes, and here I was expecting Brazil to win easily.
GT

There is some great footwork here.
basima

gooo brazil gooooooooo
Bidemi

Mohan, Brasil won’t put on an extravagant scoreline throughout this world cup, but they won’t lost a game. Just watch.

JAPAN HAS SCORRRRREED!!!
GT

What! Japan gets the first goal?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

what a goal by Japan !
Dan

Man – Brazil looks quick and they are playing well – it has slowed a little but still there is some magic – just need to finish now! ooops Japan has socred – now what?
James

how about for tomorrow y’all do group g and group h live-superblogs. blog both games together on the same liveblog, it could be awesome, or it could scar you for life. either way, i’d watch it.
GT

I said it before.. Brasil has to stay sharp. Japan is going for the kill. Brasil needs to stop fooling around and make a statement.
Bobbio

WTF?????
ruskerdu

“Hey Brasil, where did all your good players go, who wait Ronaldo ate them.” – Steven Colbert
carrie

GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
yey JJJJJJJJJJAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
Brazil sucks
carrie

yeyyyyyyyyyyyyy goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllll JAPAN
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this Brazilian team won’t go far ….might even crack to Ghana !
GT

Mohan
What time is it over there?
liam

wait, won’t a croatia tie advance australia and brazil?
Bidemi

Australia has equalised.
GT

Japan has that defense locked down. They did their homework, and are ready. Question is can they keep it up?
James

liam, depends on the goal differential. i believe the australians are even and japan is -2. so japan would have to win by at least 2 to have a chance if the other game ties. but i may be wrong, i’m too lazy to look at the group tables.
anton

As it stands, Japan would have to score twice more in order to make up the goal difference on Australia and finish second.
adam

James – you have it right.

A tie b/w OZ/Croatia and a Japan win depends on the goal differential.

As of this exact moment (1-1 aus-cro, 1-0 jpn/bra) Brazil and Australia would go thru.
liam

that’s what i thought.

“35:32 A Japan win and a Croatia loss/draw will send them through. Who would have thought it could happen? Might be possible now.”

that comment just kind of confused me.
GT

Yaahoo! First card of the game. I really needed that. Now I can sit back, some tension has been released.
Andreia & Alex

Gilberto seemed a bit frustrated
randy

3-1 Brazil
adam

why does this thing say I’m posting from the US?

I live in Canada! GO Canada (where we haven’t been to the world cup since Mexico)!
http://www.atmysports.com atmysports.com

wow, i guess it’s surprise for whole world
Dan

THE FAT BOY HAS SCORED _ EAT THAT YOU TURKEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GT

YES! The equalizer Brasil style.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

finally Ronaldo puts one into the net…his 13th in WC
Bidemi

you knew it was coming.
GT

That’s how the game is played. Made is look so easy like it was an after thought. The pressure mounts once again, and with it…more cards.
randy

RONALDO!!!!! You beautiful fat bastard!!!
James

Canada? Haven’t we made you a state yet? I kid. But seriously, the games today have had the potential to really test the tiebreaking system.
James

Dan, that was awesome. That’ll teach me to read comments while sipping a beverage.
laprimavera

Lazy offense and defense by Japanese, waiting for the half-time whistle to blow. And you get a goal. Now you guys have to work harder in the second half!
ETucker

Now that Ronaldo is fat he is so much tougher to defend in teh air. He can’t jump, but he is impossible to move!

Only one goal away…
Tom

I’m thinking you’re going to see a lot more Brazil scores in the second half. Maybe a 3-1 or 4-1 Brazil win
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“why does this thing say I’m posting from the US?”

Stephen Harper sold you to us today for $24 in beads.

If I were you, I’d consider visiting the doctor at halftime, because it’s going to cost you after that.
Sam

Japan has to win by two gaols to have a chance of getting through, right?
Dan

Hey James – I just put my toast in the toaster – lots of butter of course!!! Really do you think Ronaldo has more than 10% body fat? I don’t
Tom

Calling Ronaldo fat is absurb. The media loves to point out he’s gained weight and that he was playing slowly. But fat? Yeah right.
Bobbio

I knew that fat fool was good for something! Although he was probably trying to get a bite out of the ball when he headed it because Roberto Carlos told him it was filled with jelly.
James

Seriously, if he played baseball he’d probably be the skinniest guy on the team.
Dan

Exactly Tom – most fo the people who say this could nto run 2 feet unless they had the runs…
Dan

Hey Bobbio can you send me some Nepalesse? you luckuy guyd in Holland going to the “coffee shop”
liam

“your striker’s so fat that when he sits around the pitch he really sits around the pitch.”
Dan

James – when speaking of fat to you remeber Tony Gywnn how big he got – thats fat!!
futbol

Coach must let young players play in place of Ronaldo
GT

What’s up with this bashing about weight. He just proved that he still plays good game. Why the hate… we need love, and more cards baby!
Tom

Even when Gwynn got fat he was hitting 325. :)
Dan

Sorry folks – I can’t type so whell…
randy

Is there any other player in the cup fatter than him? Its kinda hard to get to that size running up and down for 90 mins. Looks like he’s been to the churascaria one too many times (red means stop, learn to use it!).
Tom

you’re right futbol. He should have subbed Ronaldo out and puit in some young player. I heard trailing 1-0 at the half is good, too.
http://www.atmysports.com atmysports.com

atmysports.com says 92 % voted for Brazil as winners in this match
GT

What crap is this

“Sorry, you can only post a new comment once every 15 seconds. Slow down cowboy.”

I was away for several minutes, come back, one line and I get that daft line. What’s up with that.
Tom

Randy,

How many players have scored in this cup? His weight must not be keeping him down too much.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“Seriously, if he played baseball he’d probably be the skinniest guy on the team.”

Let’s see…

Here’s Mariners shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt, who is the skinniest guy on the M’s:

http://nandotimes.nandomedia.com/ips_rich_content/79-mariners.jpg

And here’s Ronaldo in training camp:
http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2006/06/15/PH2006061501595.jpg

Looks like a draw to me.
James

yeah he did. he was never a small guy playing, but man did he let himself go. just proof that you don’t have to be a physical specimen to play a game and play it well.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Well, since that comment fell into moderation, let me say that if you compare pictures of Mariners shortshop Yuniesky Betancourt and Ronaldo they look to be about the same size, which would at least confirm that Ronaldo is skinny for a baseball player.
NOE JR

Croatia need to win 2-1 and and japan 3-1 for japan to advance get on you knees boys and start to pray…
Dan

OH ronaldo that was #2!!!!
Alessandro

Japanese players are cute, I like their dyed hair and pancake faces
James

maybe he was just inspired by the ecuadorian guy and his lucha libre mask. maybe he has a spare tire hidden under there and is waiting to score in the second half (and tie muller) to bust out the GREATEST GOAL CELEBRATION EVER!!!
Bobbio

“Your striker’s so fat you can’t put him on the bench, cuz he’d break it!”
Alessandro

Oh la la la… RRRRRROnaldo
GT

These boys are going to give me a heart attack!!
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

I hate to be school-marmish on this…but saying Rolando is fat is funny precisely because he’s not really fat. He’s probably one of the fittest men alive. It’s just that he’s out of shape compared to the old Ronaldo and other more svelte stars. Just saying.

And James, let’s all hope you’re right.
Alessandro

OMG, god exists….
Sam

Does anyone see Brazil playing a bit like Italyy in this tournament? Playing just well enough to win the match (except IT Vs USA), but not really showing what they’re made of?

Or maybe both teams really are only so-so this year? Maybe we’ll see Brazil get kicked out in the round of 16 vs Ghana?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

another Kaka beauty !!
Dan

Hey Bobbio – you did not answer my question – GOOOOOOALLLLLLL!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Tom

goooooal brazil
GT

Here we go!! Brasil…

Damn it!
“Sorry, you can only post a new comment once every 15 seconds. Slow down cowboy.”
http://www.atmysports.com atmysports.com

brazil 2
Sam

Oh, there goes that theory
James

I’m intrigued by the matchup with Ghana. I think they have the team speed to give the Brazilian defense problems. Especially if they play like they did against Czech.
randy

Tom
I’m not questioning his greatness…. Ronaldo at 50% is still better than most, I love that fat bastard. He just got a bit chunky, maybe from injury…..

GOAL!!!!!!!
Bidemi

Pernambucano GOLAGOLAGOLAGOLA
Alessandro

Thi Junhino is amazing, the guy plays for Lyon in the French league, he s a killer
http://n/a dr.shevens

Watch the game live NOW!!
http://www.footielive.org

the best site i have found for showing live football on your PC.
Tom

GOOOOOALLL
GT

And the onslaught has begun. The canon fires.. Brasil
Dan

Hey Tom – I watched Tony his whole careerr in SD – loved him – sad to see him in the end – OOOOOHHHH GOOOAAALLLL #3 ——
Sam

Common! Japan can still win this game by the two they need! I predict Brazil 3 Japan 5!!

Yeah right. Oh well, good sports of Japan to keep playing strong.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

now we see the real Brazil :)
Tom

I said it above, Brazil rout second half. Bob even commented on it. haha
randy

Ok, maybe 5-1 Brazil
James

tony is an all-timer and class guy. if there’s any justice in the world, he’ll be a great coach as well.

probably enough about baseball though…
Tom

Japan was living on borrowed time in the first half. It could have been 3-1 at the half, easily.
GT

Japan is quiker on their feet. Oh, the first major injury. Yep, that was a hard kick.

Croatia move ahead.. 2-1

Sorry, you can only post a new comment once every 15 seconds. Slow down cowboy.

The canon fires.
James

I’m telling you Bob. Group X Live-Superblog is the way to go. Then you don’t have to feel guilty about watching both games.
Dan

Japanesse goalie has played well – all things considered.
GT

Man. I can’t even eat my rice and fish. There is no time between the yellow, the blogging and a damn slow network.
Tom

Is there another team in the WC that has less selfish players than Brazil? They give up the ball nonstop to create really nice shots.
Bidemi

ronaldo should not play again. that should have been an easy goal. slow fat ass.
GT

I love those between the leg shots.

Hey is anyone having problems submitting?

“Sorry, you can only post a new comment once every 15 seconds. Slow down cowboy.”
Sam

GT: Yeah, I think it’s because of a severly weighted-down server. I can’t even refresh the page half the time.
Bidemi

RICARDINHO!!!!!!!!!
Dan

Bidemi – ronaldo slowed up at the top of the box – the pass was to far in front thinking that Robinho was going to have a shot – he was being unselfish -
randy

I think once ronaldo breaks the record they’ll keep him out of knock-out matches
Julian

Japanese culture makes a team with hatred competence but not art.
Tom

dan, thanks for explaining that…even tho it was obvious :)
Trav

Group X Live-Superblog – A great idea!
Dan

Tom – got help the brits – they are our allies!!!
Tom

Australia equalized!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Incredible goal line save by the Croatian GK keeps Croatia alive
DanielRF

All this time, I asked why so much hype with Brazil? Their scores have been “bleh” at best… now I know better ;)
Tom

Man, that Ronaldo is a fat sack of crap. Oh, wait, he’s just scored his SECOND GOAL!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Australia score and most likely are into the next round…what an exciting game this is turning out to be !
randy

#14!!!!!!!
GT

THE CANON! BRASIL AGAIN… sorry folks.
ETucker

Japan blew a 1-0 lead and loses 3-1….is this just a replay of the first game against Australia?

Japan needs some serios work on conditioning and defense.
Bidemi

Harry Kewell scores!!!! You can do it Aussies.
James

Ronaldo scored again? What’s the word on the GREATEST GOAL CELEBRATION EVER!!!?
ETucker

Ronaldo is back!

Or he is playing against a weak defensive team.

Only time will tell….
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Fred! Fred! We demand Fred!

Good to see the verde-amarelo looking like themselves. Tough WC for Japan.
Bidemi

ETucker, there’s nothing to blow. It was inevitable.
GT

Sam,

I see what you are saying, there are too many happy bloggers.
Tom

Ouch, Croats down a man with a red.
Bidemi

All South-American finals!!

Brasil-Argentina!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

i missed Ronaldo’s #14, can’t take my eyes off the other game !
ETucker

Ronaldo also played well against Australia…his assist to Adriano was fantastic.

This Brazil squad looks young, fresh, and energetic. Maybe Parreira should keep them instead of the other one…
Jen in Boston

No Fred sightings yet? I’m working but will go to the TV if Fred appears. Keep me posted!
GT

That was poor performance from Japan, choked at the wrong moment.
Jen in Boston

It’s the 89th minute. I think this game will be Fred-less. Bah.

Yikes! I just got the “Only one post per 15 seconds. Slow down cowboy” note.
Henna

Emerton out also.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Bidemi : Argentina – Spain is my prediction :)
James

Group X Live-Superblog tomorrow Bob! It’s not too late! Two, Two, Two games at once!
Melong

Hey,

Good for Ronaldo, he is scoring now. If I were the coach, he would be shining the bench for me (might lose some weight that way, lol).

Still waiting for that killer coordination and combination Brazil plays with, will keep cheering and fingers crossed.

Ciao
futbol

Etucker, this Brazil team is weak in defense. Bring in the starters.

I still think Ronaldo should be on the bench in Ghana game.
Bobbio

Well Well Well.
Old Mcfat-fats himself delivers the goods!
Chakan

its so good to be right, i told u all, robinho + 1 and brazil ownz…
Bobbio

And Dan, I’m more than happy to share the purchases from my local coffee shop!
http://www.blogforjoy.com/soccer.blog John

Just finished watching the world champs Brazil demolish a brave, but outgunned Japan. What a game.

I thank Brazil is starting to show us more as the tournament progresses.

Ronaldo got two goals and finished the game.

I can’t see anyone beating these guys! They really only stepped a gear after Japan cheekily took the lead.

4-1 is a greate result!
Dan

Bobbio – what can we do?? you are lucky…
Bobbio

Don’t worry Dan! I’ll E-mail you some High!
Introuble

wow! what a game! finally parreira put cicinho and juninho to play. and as a consequence of this great idea(lol!), our team showed a demonstration of our power.

another thing i liked is that our phenomenon Ronaldo is back!

as parreira said before: we’ll only show our real power after japan’s match, so thursday you’ll see a football class.

you wait and you’ll see!

;D
randy

Ronaldo definately bukake’d the japanese team today!
karicr

Goooooo Brasillllllllllllllll Eu amo Brasil muito mas!!!!
Dan

Hey Bobbio – send me an e-mail – dlibert@cox.net
Bobbio

Sent!
KELLYE

Well, it doesn’t really matter if Ronaldo is fat; the thing is he’s good, no matter how many pounds he got!
carrie

dont get so happy Brazil fans you only played with JAPAN
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/ Euler

Tom, you are funny!!!
Danny

Euler, pls help me out.
I’m a die hard brazillian fun and a Ghanaian and i’m broken hearted about this clash – it shouldn’t have happened, i don’t want either of them out, i don’t think i can watch the match.

I’m happy Ghana is qualified and also happy brazil is found its rythm at long last
steve

LOL Ronaldo is not fat, hes not MATCH fit he was injured before the world cup. He is still the best striker in the world his record speaks for its self. Hes done more then any other striker in the world to date the facts speak for him hence his title “Fenômeno”
Everyone may take digs at him, but face it he’s got more talent then most teams put together in the world cup and so far has done more on his own then most of them. I can’t wait until (big if) Brazil meet England and totally out play them and I can guarantee you the Fenômeno will have the last laugh.

Remember hes
Soccer FAN

I am happy for Ronaldo. I am sure lot of football-pundits are eating their own words about him now. Specially Eric Waynaldo of ESPN, who said ‘I am sorry to see the bloated waste of space’. haaa haah!
Chakan

Introuble | June 22nd, 2006
“as parreira said before: we’ll only show our real power after japan’s match, so thursday you’ll see a football class.”

introuble, this is an excuse and him also fooling everyone, him is arrogant and radical, i doubt that brazil gonna play that good against ghana, since him gonna put the boring team and the boring attack “adriano + ronaldo”, if robinho start playing then we can have a chance or remove adriano or ronaldo and put pernambucano and just leaving one on attack instead of 2 i think the best combination would be pernanbucano and robinho + 1(adriano or ronaldo)
http://www.creativatorz.com Web Designer

Great going by Ronaldo and the Brazilian Team! Am gunning for them to pick up the World Cup this year!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/ Euler

Oh, Danny… you are in big trouble. Get your heart ready. Ghana is playing for the first time so going for the next round is already a great victory. If they beat Brazil you can say they won the defending champions… pure glory!

At the same time you must be prepared to see Brazil hunting the big record: the 6th title. We have super talents and tradition on our side, so a victory can also be expected.

The bad thing is whoever lose is out. The good thing (for you) is that you can be happy for whoever wins. Think about this! Get your heart ready!!! :)
Bobbio

“Fenômeno”?? More like, Fatômeno!!
steve

lol wait until Holland get knocked out then we’ll see if you any thing to comment about.
Wolman

Japanese’s performance is not bad.

But I believe Japanese culture can’t make artist,so their display is not beautiful.
http://www.hot-chickz-4-eva.piczo.com samira

omh brazil is the best it will will evry game wait and see brazil rockz!!!!!!!!!
http://www.geocities.com/thetropics/3416/errors_and_myths_about_brasilia.htm minhoca

I always liked to get the last word
http://www.soccerfairy.com/liveblog-japan-brazil.html Soccer Fairy » LiveBlog: Japan-Brazil

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