Brazil captain Cafu (top left) lifts the trophy (Allsport)

By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer, Yokohama

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Brazil captain Cafu revealed his desire to match Pele's three World Cup triumphs as he celebrated his country's return to the "top of the world" thanks to the inspiration of Ronaldo.

Brazil secured their fifth World Cup trophy in a 2-0 success against Germany and are due to be confirmed as the best side in the world, replacing former champions France, in the rankings released later this week.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, exorcised the demons of the 1998 final by scoring both goals. From the depths of despair at the Stade de France, he found redemption in Yokohama.

While Geoff Hurst will forever be associated with 1966 and Diego Maradona with Argentina's triumph in 1986, the 2002 tournament will always be known as Ronaldo's World Cup.

Having won the golden boot with eight strikes in the tournament, he thereby moved level with Pele on an overall tally of 12 World Cup goals.

Now Cafu is aiming to match the Brazilian legend, who bear-hugged his compatriots with pride as they received their winners' medals in Yokohama.

Although Cafu had just become the first player to appear in three World Cup finals - Pele missed out on the 1962 triumph due to injury - this was only his second success.

The 31-year-old Brazilian skipper declared: "This is the second World Cup final-winning team that I've played in.

"I feel that I still have a chance to go on and win yet another title with Brazil. So far only Pele has achieved this."

Cafu has endured some criticism even during this tournament but the faith of Luiz Felipe Scolari was vindicated as his captain stood on a raised platform to lift the World Cup trophy.

"I have some pain in my arms to lift the trophy so high! But it was my idea to get onto the platform as this is the place that Brazil should be - at the top of the top," he insisted.

"We believed in ourselves from the very beginning and that was so important. I am very touched, I cannot explain what is happening.

"You have no idea how I feel to be on top of the world. To the Brazilian people and those who supported Brazil from all over the world, I can only send a kiss from my heart."

While Brazil should be confirmed as the top-ranked national side in the world, Ronaldo's glowing reputation has already been fully restored despite his struggle in 1998 following a seizure.

He may have squandered three first-half chances, but he took full advantage when Oliver Kahn made his only mistake of an otherwise impressive tournament on 67 minutes into Sunday's final.

For when Kahn spilled Rivaldo's drive, Ronaldo duly swept home the rebound.

Just 12 minutes later, he had confirmed victory with a flourish after Rivaldo superbly dummied Kleberson's left-wing cross.

While admitting that scoring twice in the World Cup final was "beyond his wildest dreams", he is determined to now set himself "new goals" as he emerges from his serious injury problems.

He added: "I fought for two years to overcome my injury and I'm very glad to have scored both the goals and to help bring the fifth World Cup back to Brazil but I want to thank the whole squad.

"Having the World Cup in my hands is one of the most wonderful moments I could dream of, yet I am still ambitious for more success."

Brazil had been relative outsiders when the tournament began, given their difficulties in qualifying, but Scolari, who had always planned to step aside after the World Cup, has transformed their fortunes.

Defender Roberto Carlos declared: "With this result, Brazilian football is again respected.

"The secret of our success was our team spirit, the unity and the respect we had for each other as players. That brought the best out of us.

"It was necessary to be mentally strong because all the teams in this tournament had strong defences and ours has received much criticism.

"This victory is very important for the Brazilian people. I can't believe that we've won. It's the most fantastic moment of my life."