World Cup: Ronaldo - form is temporary, class is permanent

World Cup: Ronaldo - form is temporary, class is permanent

Ronaldo's 13th and 14th World Cup goals made him the competition's all-time joint-leading scorer with Gerd Mueller. Not bad, considering he failed to score and was substituted in both earlier games.

The striker first scored with a header in first-half injury time in the defending champion's win over Japan. He then added a second in the 81st with a right-footed shot from 20 meters (yards).

It was a relief for Ronaldo, who had to deal with a series of distractions since arriving for the World Cup a month ago, including a weight controversy and a string of minor health problems, the AP reports.

The 29-year-old was crucial in the 2002 World Cup, leading the scoring with eight goals from seven matches, including both in the 2-0 final win against Germany.