Ronaldo limps off midway through Brazil win

GENEVA, June 4: Brazil striker Ronaldo was forced off midway through today's 4-0 win over New Zealand because of a blister on his foot.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said it was a minor injury and told reporters not to make a big issue out of it.

''He had a blister that was bothering him, it was about the size of a fingernail,'' said Parreira. ''We tried to do something to it at halftime but it continued to bother him and the doctor decided the best thing to do was to rest.

''Please don't make a seven-headed animal out of this, it's a blister and nothing more, it's not a big issue. It will be alright in 48 hours.'' Ronaldo, who has not played a competitive game since limping out of Real Madrid's 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad on April 8, netted the opening goal for the world champions two minutes before halftime.

He also hit the post with virtually the last kick of the half.

Parreira said Brazil's only international in the month before the World Cup had given his team the run-out they needed.

''Three goals would have been enough,'' he said.

''The most important thing was that we created a lot of chances, their goalkeeper made three or four very good saves and we had more than 20 shots on goal.

''It was a very good test.'' Brazil, who travelled to Germany after the game, open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Berlin on June 13. They also face Japan and Australia in their first-round group.

Reuters