Ronaldo equals record as Brazil beat Japan 4-1

DORTMUND, June 22 (Reuters) Ronaldo grabbed two goals to equal Gerd Mueller's World Cup scoring record as champions Brazil romped to a 4-1 win over Japan in Group F today.

Japan took a surprise lead in the 34th minute through Keiji Tamada but Ronaldo equalised just before halftime.

Brazil took a grip on the game in the second half, adding further goals through Juninho Pernambucano in the 53rd minute and Gilberto in the 59th.

Ronaldo's second in the 81st minute was his 14th in World Cup finals, equalling the record of West Germany's Mueller.

Brazil will play Ghana in the last 16 in Dortmund on Tuesday.

REUTERS VJ BST0236