Ronaldo is a True Phenomenon

May 4th, 2006 | by: Euler Costa |

Phoenix I was looking at Bob’s post (Who are the World Cup XI Forwards?) thinking that I would be the only voter for Ronaldo, but even under heavy criticism from Real Madrid’s fans and from the press I saw other people choosing him to their side. After his phoenix-like return in the 2002 World Cup, we can expect anything from him. Now there is an article in the SI site about him that is totally worth reading. After so much badmouthing from Platini and other world-class footballers, he got this nice article pointing out his career achievements, like the fact that he played for Brazil 97 matches, and lost only eight. I think I heard some jaws hitting the ground…

Ronaldo is in Parreira’s group to the World Cup, that’s for sure. Nobody ever considered replacing him here in Brazil. We trust Parreira and Zagallo, in the first place, and we trust Ronaldo as well. He already said: “I’ve been faced with tough challenges my entire career, but now I know that I’m strong enough to overcome them. I’m certain that I’ll be well prepared for the World Cup”. To his critics, we’ll ‘read’ his response on the green field.

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Lupa

He has always gotten more criticism than he deserves. The record speaks for itself. He is going to rise to the occasion in Germany. I believe it.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

I agree. You have to ask yourself, Would it be a surprise if Ronaldo scored eight goals this tournament? I don’t think so. With the other Ronnie setting him up all day long, it could happen. Easily.
celo

I know he can perform. But what worries me the most is if he can play 7 games in one month giving 100% without getting hurt.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Euler

I trust Parreira will take very good care of him. The Seleção usually have a very competent medical staff and workout crew.
shahid

He ppl i am a great fan of ronaldo he is match winner for brazil he he will prove that he is the best Ronaldo you rocks
juan

Ronaldo is only a “Marketing Phenomenon”.
Futahaguro

It is always easy for us benchwarmers to comment on players when we should be getting ready to cheer them on the the greatest spectacle of sports. Why don’t we think about the great games we have seen him play in and how we will never see him play in another World Cup. How many people wish they could have been there to see Pele, Maradonna, etc.. Rather than jeering anyone, lets cheer them:)
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Euler

Juan didn’t read the article, right? Can you read numbers? Numeros?
Soze

lol…where di the ole Euler go?..the one that had an open mind about everyones opinions. Boy, this blog sure jaded some people huh?…

numeros…that’s funny. Lost only eight, that’s incredible. I really believe Ronaldo will be one of the stars of the WC(only not against Croatia of course). He is a true tallent and like any player has his ups and downs but nonetheless a true tallent.

I read an article about 6-7 months ago in a Brazilian magazine called Ronaldo, Inc. and it does support some of Juans notion of Ronaldo being a marketing phenomenom, but his ability to score should not be taken away. Tell me Juan, would you not like a Ronaldo on your team…I know I would. What a foreward line that would be. Prso, Olic, Ronaldo.
http://netherlands.worldcupblog.org Mike

Form is temporary but class and quality are permanent. I think Ronaldo is a great example of that.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Euler

Sorry Soze if I sounded like a pundit before. I’ll try to keep an opened mind even when facts tells me otherwise.

Ronaldo is a marketing phenomenon, of course. But to say that he is “only” that, in spite his career numbers (numeros) was a little too much for me. But I’ll try not to spook readers away in the future.

Thanks for the advice!
Fabian

The world cup is over and Brazil, overall, was a disappointment. Although Ronaldo did break the record, he isn’t the same.