Wednesday, 7 June 2006, 09:25 GMT 10:25 UK
Ronaldinho pleads for protection
Brazil star Ronaldinho has asked referees to protect him and his team-mates at the World Cup.
The Barcelona superstar, 26, believes Brazil's opponents will attempt to stop them from playing their attractive style of football in Germany.
"All the teams are waiting for us and will be doubly alert in paying attention to our attack," said the World Player of the Year.
"It's vital the refereeing is rigorous because of our style of playing."
Ronaldinho added: "Every team we play regardless of their normal style of play defend against us.
"We are mindful that it is difficult to score goals in that case.
"The others play tight at the back and will wait to hit us on the counter-attack."
The defending champions, seeking to win their sixth World Cup, play Croatia in their opening match in Berlin on Tuesday.
They will also face Australia and Japan.
E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Brazil coach defends preparations
(29 May 06 |
Brazil
)
Edmilson will miss the World Cup
(31 May 06 |
Brazil
)
Ronaldo fit for Brazil Cup opener
(06 Jun 06 |
Brazil
)
Brazil team guide
(22 May 06 |
Brazil
)
Pick your Brazil XI
(18 May 06 |
Squad selectors
)
World Cup schedule
(25 May 06 |
Schedule
)
Have your say on the World Cup
(28 Apr 06 |
)
BBC World Cup coverage
(27 Apr 06 |
BBC coverage
)
RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Fifa
Official Brazil website
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Sport Homepage
|
Football
|
Cricket
|
Rugby Union
|
Rugby League
|
Tennis
|
Golf
|
Motorsport
|
Boxing
|
Athletics
|
Snooker
|
Horse Racing
|
Cycling
|
Disability Sport
|
Olympics 2012
|
Other Sport...
|
TV/Radio Schedule
|
606
|
Sport Academy
|
Health & Fitness
|
Fun and Games
|
Northern Ireland
|
Scotland
|
Wales
Football Contents:
World Cup 2006
|
My Club
|
Gossip & Transfers
|
Premiership
|
Championship
|
League One
|
League Two
|
Non League
|
FA Cup
|
League Cup
|
Scottish League
|
Scottish Premier
|
Scottish Cups
|
Welsh
|
Irish
|
Internationals
|
Europe
|
African
Women
|
Football Focus
|
Match of the Day
|
World Football
|
Skills
|
Laws & Equipment
|
Get Involved
|
Score on BBCi
|
606
^ Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | Feedback | Help | ©
