Owen vs RonaldoRonaldo and Michael Owen will cross swords on Friday when Brazil take on England. Expectations are high on both sides for two strikers whose careers, for better and for worse, have been shaped by their experiences at the last World Cup. Ronaldo arrived in France as the most exciting footballer. Brazil progressed to the final but just hours before kick-off, Ronaldo suffered a fit in his hotel room. After losing to France, Ronaldo played just 26 league games over the next three seasons, undergoing two operations. Though he has scored five goals, Ronaldo has mainly dealt in tap-ins.Owen has a dramatically different memory of the 1998 finals. Owen’s goal against Argentina was rated as the strike of the the tournament. Owen has not looked back since although his career has frequently been checked by injuries.This time around the two strikers’ fortunes have also differed markedly. While Ronaldo has been scoring freely, Owen’s solitary goal against Denmark last weekend was his first for a team.Beckham vs CarlosDavid Beckham will find himself in the path of Brazil’s answer to the bullet train when he faces Roberto Carlos on Friday. Beckham’s position on the right of midfield means he cannot avoid the Brazilian left wingback as he hurtles down the flank. Despite the plaudits, Beckham knows from past experience there will be no need to feel intimidated.Over to Beckham: “He’s got the pace. Even if he gets into forward positions, he’s able to get back. But we have plan to check him”. It is widely believed that the one who wins this battle will win the war.Brazil’s fear: Blame it on RioA man named Rio stands between Brazil and a place in the semi-finals . England’s Rio Ferdinand will be hoping to send the millions of people who live in the city bearing his name into despair. He, and his central defensive partner Sol Campbell, will have to tame rampant Brazil strikers Ronaldo and Rivaldo if England are to have any chance of reaching the last four for the first time in 12 years and only the third time ever. Friday’s game, in essence, will be a battle between England’s defence and Brazil’s attack. England’s back line has emerged as the joint best in the finals along with Germany’s having conceded just one goal in their opening four matches, while Brazil have scored 13 goals. But if England’s rearguard can hold firm — and set up quick counter-attacks on the break — then England have half a chance.
