Ronaldo
I saw the match in which he played and he really did look chubby which was surprising. The commentator said the coach said he was just more tough now, not more fat - what a lame excuse. Toughness in an endurance sport?
QUOTE |
RONALDO BLASTED AS OVERWEIGHT BY MEDIA BERLIN: Brazil striker Ronaldo was given dismal reviews by the Brazilian media after his lumbering soccer World Cup display in the 1-0 win over Croatia. Ref. https://www.stuff.co.nz/hlc/1,,93498~3700613a1823~,00.html |
I saw the Brazil-Croatia match myself, and not only was Ronaldo a little heavier, but he was a little slower also. He seemed to be standing around a lot of the time, waiting for someone to pass him the ball. Other than the one strike above the crossbar, he was ineffective in the game.
You would think that with all the European league games, Champion league games, and WC qualifications and friendlies, that he would be in great shape, like most everyone else. It does make one wonder if there are other issues going on that has led to his demise. The big talk about Ronaldo in this World Cup is that he has the chance to become the most prolific goal scorer in World Cup history. He currently has 12 goals, and needs 2 more to tie the record, which is certainly within his reach. A fifth World Cup appearance in 2010 is also not out of the question, so long as he is still playing football at a high level.
The bad hype actually started before the World Cup even started. A lot of reporters had already noticed that he was not in game shape, and even Real Madrid fans and press were disappointed in his work ethic during the Champions League run. You would think he would have used this first game on the world's biggest stage to prove them wrong, but he didn't. Instead he gave them justification for their comments. For the sake of his pure striking ability, I hope he can turn things around.
Well according to one site in 2003 Ronaldo claimed:
QUOTE |
- Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo has sex with his wife before every game to ensure that he plays at his peak. He says sex is the perfect way to prepare for a big match. But he also says that the woman should do most of the work with the man relaxing and saving his energy for soccer. Ref. https://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/08/...l?from=storyrhs |
Ronaldo (Hover)
According to thisarticle, Ronaldo was admitted to a German hospital after suffering some dizziness. Now that I think about it, I remember one of the commentators saying something about him after sinus problems also.