Poll suggests Ronaldo most popular in team

BRASILIA, June 30 (Reuters) Brazilians think striker Ronaldo has been their best player at the World Cup so far, an opinion poll showed today.

The strong show of support is a boost for Ronaldo who has struggled with health problems and suggestions he was overweight.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had exasperated Ronaldo earlier this month when he asked coach Carlos Alberto Parreira about Ronaldo's weight on national television.

The Datafolha survey published in Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper today showed 27 per cent of those polled thought Ronaldo was the team's best player. Kaka followed with 14 per cent and Ronaldinho with 12 per cent.

Eighty-three per cent of those polled believe five times world champions Brazil will win the World Cup and 64 per cent support Parreira. Brazil face France tomorrow in the quarter-finals.

Ronaldo's preparations had been interrupted by blisters on his feet and a sinus infection.

He also complained of dizziness on the day after the 1-0 win over Croatia and was taken for a medical check-up, reviving memories of his dazed performance at the 1998 World Cup final when Brazil lost 3-0 to France.

Ronaldo began the World Cup with two lumbering performances against Croatia and Australia, which had the critics calling for him to be dropped, but then scored two goals against Japan and one against Ghana, breaking a World Cup record with his 15th finals goal.

The goal eclipsed Gerd Mueller's mark of 14 set during West Germany's World Cup win of 1974.

REUTERS

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