Brazil outclass Japan

Published June 23, 2006

DORTMUND, June 22: Brazil striker Ronaldo equalled Gerd Mueller’s World Cup finals record of 14 goals, scoring twice in the 4-1 win over Japan in Group F on Thursday.

Ronaldo moved alongside the former West Germany striker when he grabbed his second goal of the game for the champions in the 81st minute.

Japan equalised in first-half injury time.

Second-half goals from Juninho Pernambucano, Gilberto and Ronaldo allowed Brazil to complete their 10th successive win. Brazil face Ghana in the last 16 while Japan, with one point, were knocked out.

In Berlin, Australia qualified for the last 16 knockout stages of the World Cup on Thursday after drawing 2-2 with Croatia in their final Group F match in Stuttgart.—Agencies

Ghana beat US

NUREMBERG: World Cup Group E result here on Thursday:

Ghana 2

US 1

Italy win

HAMBURG: Group E result :

Czech Rep 0

Italy 2

Today’s matches (time in PST)

• Ukraine v Tunisia at 7pm

• Saudi Arabia v Spain at 7pm

• Togo v France at 12 midnight

• Switzerland v South Korea at 12 midnight

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