Ronaldo: Klose could break my WC goal scoring record!

Former Brazilian international striker Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, simply known as Ronaldo, has told the official website of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil that he thinks his record of 15 goals at FIFA World Cup's will surely be broken in the future.

Ronaldo said, "Records are there to be broken and surely someone will break my record one day."

Ronaldo had broken the record of legendary German striker Gerd Mueller of 14 goals at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, when he went on to score his 15th goal.

And Ronaldo knows who could be an imminent threat to his 15 goals record. "The next biggest threat comes from Miroslav Klose (14 goals) who plays for Germany. And he has a chance to play at the next FIFA World Cup, 2014 in Brazil," Ronaldo added.

It will be interesting to see if Miroslav Klose does play for Germany until summer 2014, then by then the current SS Lazio Roma striker would be 35/36 years of age.

Ronaldo: The end of an Attacking Career

The end came earlier then many would have expected and hoped, but 34 year old Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, better known as simply Ronaldo, yesterday announced in Brazil that he is ending his colourful playing career with immediate effect. The main reason is health problems which have troubled him for some time, while a factor will also be the issue of fan aggression against him and his family at Corinthians after the club was eliminated from the Copa Libertadores. If this had not had happened then he might have played on until the end of the season.

Ronaldo's track record as a striker is amongst the best to have ever played the beautiful game at club and international level plus 'O Fenomeno' had this bullish approach where defenders weren't simply able to stop him on his way to score.

Ronaldo is the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 15 goals to his name and on two occasions he was part of World Cup winning Brazilian squads. In 1994 as a mere 17 year old prodige and spectator as he did not play a minute in the tournament, while in 2002 the architect of the Selecao's victory scoring eight goals. In-between the infamous 1998 World Cup final incidence which is still a mystery. Ronaldo ended his international career having scored 62 goals in 97 appearances. Many say he could have added a few more if coach Dunga had picked him for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Ronaldo would be crowned FIFA Player of the Year thrice winning the title in 1996, 1997 and 2002. He is the record title holder along with former club mate Zinedine Zidane of France. Further he was also top goalscorer in different leagues for his club sides.

Ronaldo played a total of 466 club games scoring an incredible 326 goals. He started his professional career at home in Brazil with Cruzeiro (1993/94), before moving to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven (1994-96) just like his idol Romario and then came the short, impressive stint at FC Barcelona (1996/97); before he made a record move to Internationale Milan (1997-2002). He then was part of the legendary Galacticos at Real Madrid (2002-07) and when no longer wanted he moved to AC Milan (2007-08); but with little success and injuries in his second Italian stint he returned home to join Corinthians (2009-11) where he ended his career yesterday.

The world losses one of its best-ever strikers, who was not adverse to controversy; but with health problems and he himself realising that he isn't at the level he needs to be able to compete at the top level, it is a wise move. It will be interesting to see in what capacity we see Ronaldo in the future - coach, pundit, mentor or just a spectator at grounds.

2010 World Cup: Evergreen Klose

Before the 2010 FIFA World Cup I had speculated that Miroslav Klose would only need to repeat what he has done in the last couple of World Cups, score five goals in the tournament for Germany. Then if he did he would equal Brazilian Ronaldo's record of 15 goals in World Cup. But to be honest I had severe doubts if Klose would really come good.

And now I am happy that he has once more been showing his World Cup form for Germany. Four goals in four matches, Klose is now on 14 overall World Cup, equal with German legend forward Gerd Mueller and only one behind Ronaldo with two matches to go - the semifinals and either the final or third place playoff. So Klose is in with a real chance to equal Ronaldo or even pass his record.

Klose had a miserable season at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich scoring only six goals in 38 matches in all competitions. If you just read the pure stats, not worthy of a striker of Klose's class and abilities. Klose was often injured and then not that much used by Louis van Gaal as Croatian Ivica Olic had become the clubs main target man and young Thomas Mueller played a sensational debut season for the Bavarian giants. Also Klose often came on as a substitute, which is something which doesn't seem to suit him.

But German coach Joachim Loew kept his trust in Klose as well as Lukas Podolski, who also had a terrible season back at his home club 1.FC Cologne. For this decision Loew was heavily criticised in the German media as well as by the public, but the duo would pay their coach back with performance and goals. Loew's trust was repaid and now Germany can dream of big things.

Klose is a phenomenon, but the 32 year old striker as all his team mates doesn't want the media to focus only on one player. And as if the team had a mantra, Klose and his team mates keep repeating that this success has been made possible by the team, die Mannschaft. And this sums up Klose as a character, a down to earth person who tries to do his utmost for the success of the team.