Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has given his full support to
Ronaldo, the seemingly overweight and out-of-sorts striker.
Parreira insists he is prepared to gamble on the 29-year-old Real Madrid
star for Sunday's game against Australia despite the player suffering a
recent medical scare. Ronaldo underwent tests on Wednesday after
complaining of dizziness.
Meanwhile, Luis Figo has urged the Portuguese Football Federation to
ensure Luiz Felipe Scolari stays on as coach after the World Cup. Big
Phil, who turned down the England job before the World Cup, has
reportedly had other offers.
Sweden have been celebrating a dramatic 1-0 win over Group B rivals
Paraguay. Arsenal's Freddie Ljungberg scored in the 86th minute to earn
them their first win of 2006.
The result does not mean they are certain of a place in the last 16
quite yet however. They now meet England in a Group decider next Tuesday.
Ecuador president Alfredo Palacio has hailed the achievements of the
country's football team following their qualification to the second
round of the World Cup.
Palacio telephoned the players to congratulate them on their 3-0 victory
against Costa Rica on Thursday, a result which made it two victories out
of two in Group A and sealed their place in the last 16.