47 days to go…
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Ronaldo
Japan v Brazil
Germany 2006 | Group F
FIFA World Cup Stadium, Dortmund
Four years earlier it was his fitness. Now it was his weight. At Korea/Japan 2002, Ronaldo shaved the implacable press off his back with arguably the wackiest hairstyle in World Cup history. This time, having apologised to mothers worldwide for that “horrendous” cut, he knew he couldn’t do the same. There was only one thing that could gag them: goals.
Ronaldo had drawn blanks in Brazil’s opening two games – both limp victories. The 29-year-old was, with the Seleção already through, expected to be rested for their final first-phase outing, but coach Carlos Alberto Parreira also knew his No9 required a goal remedy. It wasn’t going to plan as the clock passed 45, but Ronaldo headed home an equaliser to send the sides in level.
‘Fenômeno’ then sealed a 4-1 victory late on. Juan burst forward and exchanged three passes with Ronaldo, who spun and produced an immaculate finish past Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi from outside the box. It was arguably the finest of his 14 World Cup goals, and saw Ronaldo tie Gerd Muller as the leading marksman in its history.
Further reading
A tribute to Ronaldo
Photos: Wacky World Cup hairstyles
