GAUCHA! Brazil hit target from 35 metres

The result in the first quarter-final of the competition establishes Brazil as firm favourites to win the final in the Japanese city of Yokohama on June 30. Goalkeeper David Seaman, the oldest man in the England squad at 38, left the pitch in tears at the end of the game after Ronaldinho scored the winner with a fantastic free-kick from 35 metres in the 50th minute.

Seaman, off his line and backtracking, could do nothing to prevent the ball sailing into the top left hand corner.

Seven minutes after his goal, the Brazilian forward was sent off for fouling Danny Mills. England struck the first blow. Striker Michael Owen pounced on a mistake by defender Lucio in the 23rd minute and chipped the ball over Marcos from close range.

But Brazil kept their composure and Rivaldo equalised in first-half injury time — his fifth goal in five games.

Ronaldinho collected the pass and shrugged off Ashley Cole’s challenge before flicking the ball wide to an unmarked Rivaldo, who curled his shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

Brazil, who have come back from a goal down to win more matches than any other team in World Cup history, fully deserved to do it for the 13th time after showing more attacking flair and silencing critics who said they could not defend.

(Reuters)