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Ronaldo assured of Aussie start
14/06/2006: Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has said Ronaldo will keep his place for the clash with Australia on Sunday.
The reigning champions laboured to a 1-0 win in the opening game against Croatia with Kaka scoring the decisive goal just before the break, while goalkeeper Dida was forced to make a number of saves to protect the lead.
The tournament favourites only showed glimpses of what they are capable of as they struggled to get going against a tough Croatian outfit but in particular Ronaldo looked lethargic and unfit and was substituted in the 69th minute.
Despite his abject performance, Parreira insists that the Real Madrid star will keep his place in the star-studded line-up against Australia with the winner set to book their place in the last 16.
Parreira said: "Ronaldo has not been playing for the last two months and has had only two friendlies so it was natural he felt a bit heavy as it was very hot, but I'm sure he will improve as the tournament goes on.
"Ronaldo will start against Australia because he needs to gain pace, and he is a decisive player."
Match-winner Kaka warned that the whole team needs to improve and in particular Ronaldo.
Kaka said: "It was essential to win our first match but we all have to improve and that includes myself.
"We have to improve our movement, to be more creative and to mark better. I'm sure the next game will be better as we will not feel under so much pressure.
"Ronaldo has said he has not reached his ideal level of fitness so let's wait until he improves his performance and is the Ronaldo that we know and like, but yes a little more movement from him would be ideal."
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Ronaldo assured of Aussie start (14/06/2006)
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