The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
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Brazil finally strolled to victory with their most impressive performance of the finals so far. With Ronaldo looking a bit more like his old self, the early shock of Japan taking the lead was to be soon forgotten.

The Japanese took the lead, after a delicious ball by their Brazilian born player Alex set up Keiji Tamada to blast home from an angle. Brazil had, in truth, dominated the first half, and Japan's goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi was in inspired form, with his best save being a magnificent tip over from a Juninho Pernambucano piledriver. With Robinho sparkling, it seemed only a matter of time before Brazil broke through, which they did on the stroke of half-time, when Cicinho headed back across goal for Ronaldo to head in, and so the Real Madrid striker passed Pele's national record of 12 goals in the World Cup finals.

A brilliant one-two between Ronaldo and Ronaldinho saw Ronaldo shoot just wide early in the second half, but a 25 yard bullet from Juninho went through Kawaguchi's arms to put Brazil ahead. Gilberto then scored his first goal for Brazil, and their third, with a fine, low angled drive, before another great one-two, between Juan and Ronaldo, saw the latter curl in a beautiful long range shot, to equal Gerd Muller's all-time record of 14 goals in World Cup finals.

Japan sadly go out after this defeat. They have skill and endeavour, but they haven't made the progress one would have hoped. Brazil march on with a 100% record, and have now won 10 games in a row in World Cup finals. They still need to improve, but improving they are.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.