The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
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Ronaldo passed Gerd Muller's record tally of 14 World Cup finals goals, as Brazil predictably reached the quarter finals. But once again a contentious decision went against the smaller nation, giving more ammunition to those who believe the World Cup is a stitch up, and that things are manipulated to help the bigger countries progress.

Brazil took an early lead against a Ghana side who started nervously. Ronaldo beat the offside trap, after a fine pass by Kaka, and did a nice little stepover trick, before rounding 'keeper Richard Kingson to tap in for a little bit of history. Adriano fluffed a great chance to score or create a second for Brazil, when one on one with 'keeper Kingson. He could have scored or passed to Ronaldo, but did neither, and Ghana cleared. The Africans then began to come into the game, and a stinging long range effort from Haminu Draman was their first real goal attempt, which Dida comfortably saved. A lovely ball by Sulley Muntari played in Matthew Amoah, but he pulled a fair chance wide. For Brazil, Ronaldinho's shot nearly caught out Kingson at his near post. Gyan then nearly scored for Ghana when he shot just over, when off balance, and the Black Stars came even closer, when, from a corner, John Mensah got in a close range header, which Dida saved with his right leg. More bad fortune for the Ghanaians followed near half time, when Adriano bundled in a Cafu cross from the right - from an offside position. It was Brazil's 200th goal in World Cup finals. Ghana's coach, Ratomir Dujkovic, was sent off at half-time by referee Lubos Michel for angrily disputing the goal.

Roberto Carlos had a good chance to add to Brazil's lead, in the second half, when he shot straight at keeper Kingson. Gyan then brought out a good save from Dida, and later could have done better with another chance, but he shot straight at Dida. Gyan was to leave the field, when he was given a second yellow card - for diving, and Brazilian defender Juan sneakily reminded the referee that the Ghanaian had had an earlier card. A sweet through ball from substitute Ricardinho gave Ze Roberto another one on one chance with Kingson, and he flicked the ball past the 'keeper to tap in. Kingson then denied Ronaldo with a brilliant one-handed save, but Ghana's John Pantsil forced another good save from Dida. Kingson was keeping the score down late on, and he saved point-blank from both Cafu and Juan.

As per usual, the Ghanaians were patronised by reporters as plucky, when in truth the 3-0 scoreline was a travesty. Those same reporters still talk up Brazil as if they are saving themselves, and maybe they are, but maybe this Brazilian side is just ordinary. This is 2006, not 1970 or 1982. Germany are more attractive to watch at the moment.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.