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Ronaldo and Romario destroy 10-man Australia

RIYADH, Dec 21 (AFP) -Brazil’s deadly striking duo Ronaldo and Romario bagged a hat-trick apiece as world champions Brazil demolished 10-man Australia 6-0 in the Confederations Cup final on Sunday.

The South Americans gave notcie of their awesome attacking power ahead of next year’s World Cup in a match that degenerated into a one-sided exhibition after Australia’s Mark Viduka was sent off for a late challenge on Brazil wingback Cafu midway through the first half.

The Socceroos, despite failing to make the World Cup finals, had lost only once under coach Terry Venables prior to Sunday in 18 matches but they never looked like improving that record.

As early as the fourth minute the shaven-headed Ronaldo stormed down the left flank and crossed for Romario, unmarked, to head goalwards — only for Mark Bosnich in the Australian goal to fling himself left and with the help of the post somehow keep the ball out.

It was all Brazil as the South Americans, who had drawn 0-0 with Australia earlier in the tournament, completely destabilised Terry Venables’ men with their quick passing and movement.

Bosnich again came to Australia’s rescue in the 12th minute, foiling Atletico Madrid playmaker Juninho with a plunging save to his right after the former Middlesbrough man fired in a fierce low volley.

The inevitable breakthrough came three minutes later. Ronaldo showed his strength to shrug off two defenders and played in Denilson down the left.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who will become the most expensive player in the world when he joins Spanish first division side Real Betis for 34.8 million dollars next year, waltzed to the byline and cut the ball back for the unmarked Ronaldo to sidefoot high into the net from six yards.

Australia then suffered a second blow, this time self-inflicted, when Viduka was redcarded by Thai referee Pirom Un Prasert for a late, knee-high tackle on Cafu after 24 minutes.

The 10 men were quickly made to pay. Juninho lobbed the ball over the top and as the Australian defence dithered Ronaldo stole in and with the outside of his right foot cheekily jabbed the ball past Bosnich into the net to make it 2-0 four minutes later.

Australia were under seige and seven minutes before half-time Romario made it three when he was allowed time in the six-yard box to chest down a cross in from the right flank before scuffing the ball into the net.
Ronaldo, fed again by Juninho, whistled a 25-yarder inches over just four minutes into the second half as Brazil resumed cruise control.

Ronaldo turned provider after 53 minutes when he flicked a header on to Romario, who fooled his marker by feinting to head the ball before chesting down and firing low past Bosnich for his second and Brazil’s fourth.
The South Americans were utterly rampant and within six minutes Ronaldo completed his hat-trick after a superb 40-yard through-ball by Brazil captain Dunga. The rampaging striker took it on his chest and beat Bosnich right-footed from 15 yards.

After 75 minutes it was 6-0, though this time the goal had less merit to it. Ronaldo dribbled through and appeared to dive when confronted by Bosnich. The referee pointed to the spot and Romario duly completed his own hat-trick and Australia’s misery.