Reuters

Dortmund, Jun 23: Brazil striker Ronaldo said he was running into form after scoring twice in the 4-1 World Cup win over Japan in Group F on Thursday.

"I'm very happy I've made such a significant improvement physically and technically during the competition," Ronaldo told reporters

"Patience is the key word. I managed to stay calm and patient in all the difficult moments."

Ronaldo's second goal equalled Gerd Mueller's record tally of 14 in World Cup finals for West Germany.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira also backed Ronaldo.

"Ronaldo is not in the best possible physical shape but step by step and little by little he is getting there. I'm sure he will be better as each game goes," he added.

"We deserved to win. We had about 25 shots blocked and we deserved to come top of the group," he said after Brazil maintained their 100 percent record.

Japan's coach Zico, a Brazilian, was unhappy his team went out of the competition.

"It's a very disappointing result to take but the way we lost the first game against Australia shows what a tough business football can be," said Zico.

Japan lost 3-1 to Australia, conceding all three goals in the last few minutes.

"For us a victory tonight would have been decisive but Brazil played well and exploited our uncertainties and weaknesses well," he added.