By Sergio Ferraro, PA International

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President Fernando Cardoso has paid a moving tribute to Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup-winning heroes.

As the triumphant Brazilians prepared to return home from the Far East, Cardoso led the country's political elite political elite in extravagant praise of the team that has conquered the world.

"All the country is vibrating with Brazil's fifth World Cup conquest," he said.

"The tears of Ronaldo, Scolari and all the other players are the tears that all the Brazilian people have, because of the emotions and the happiness."

By singling out Ronaldo, president Cardoso was reflecting a national obsession with the modest genius who against the odds has managed to resurrect his career following the devastation of Brazil's defeat by hosts France in the 1998 World Cup final and a series of career-threatening injuries.

Ronaldo scored both goals in 2-0 defeat of Germany in Sunday's final to take the Golden Boot award as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals.

Yet the Brazilians had gone into the tournament as relative outsiders after a disappointing qualifying campaign, but shifted up a gear to sweep aside a succession of pretenders to the crown to become the ultimate World Cup champions, having now won the title a record five times.

"You showed with talent and strength that our football is still the best in the world," said president Cardoso.

"Like every Brazilian, I felt pride with this historic victory.

"Congratulations to you all, you have given huge happiness to the Brazilian people."

Cardoso's likely successor, Luiz Inacio 'Lula' da Silva, who was among scores of politicians who watched the final on a monster television screen in a Sao Paulo auditorium, said the victory had finally laid to rest the ghost of 1998.

"Brazil needed this victory and this cup because we were all feeling sorry for the defeat four years ago," he said.

"Germany produced a great match, but our talent was superior."

Da Silva's main electoral opponent, Jose Serra, also paid tribute, admitting he was a fan "who boils inside".