Ronaldo celebrates the victory. (Allsport)
BRILLIANT BRAZIL GO NAP
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Ronaldo finally put his nightmare of four years ago behind him with a brace of goals as Brazil beat Germany 2-0 in Yokohama to win their fifth World Cup.
The Inter Milan striker - who was a shadow of his former self in the final in France 98 after suffering a seizure on the morning of the match - won the Golden Boot in the process, holding off the challenge of team-mate Rivaldo.
His first goal came on 68 minutes when he capitalised on a rare blunder from Oliver Kahn - the goalkeeper of the tournament - to shoot home from close range.
And he sealed the victory for the samba kings 11 minutes later when he squeezed a shot into the bottom corner after a delicious dummy from Rivaldo.
The Brazilians had earlier hit the bar through Kleberson and forced a couple of fine saves from Kahn.
But the Germans had their chances, with Oliver Neuville twice going close to breaking the deadlock.
This was to be Brazil's day, though, and even being substituted late on could not spoil Ronaldo's evening.
Ronaldo dedicated his goals to his family and doctor.
"These two goals were deserved - for me and the whole team," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"After two years of enormous suffering and difficulties for me, I'm happy and proud.
"I dedicate the goals to my family and my doctor. I want to thank everybody who was here to celebrate my two goals and the World Cup."
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "To be second in Brazil is being last.
"I feel happiness and joy that we have done our job. It has been a long time and full of hard work but now we can feel the merit. It is a historic moment, Brazil are back as world champions.
"The secret is the union of the boys, the way they have given everything. They have had one objective, one spirit and they have felt a positive energy."
Germany midfielder Bernd Schneider said: We played well but could not score."
His coach, Rudi Voller, said: "When you lose a game the disappointment is great of course. But it is no shame to lose against a team like Brazil.
"Brazil deserved to win although they had some difficulties against Turkey and us but overall they were the best team."
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