Soccer: Ronaldo examined after dizzy spells

Brazil's Ronaldo attends a media conference. PIcture / Reuters

KOENIGSTEIN - Brazil forward Ronaldo has undergone medical examinations in a clinic after complaining of dizziness, recalling the mysterious and famous episode at the 1998 soccer World Cup final.

The Brazilian Football Confederation said the 29-year-old, who had a dismal display in his team's 1-0 win over Croatia, felt dizzy yesterday when the team had the day off.

It added that nothing was found and he would be ready for training.

Ronaldo lumbered around the pitch against Croatia, struggling to control the simplest of passes in a performance described as "weird" by former Brazil striker Tostao.

He was taken off to a chorus of jeers in the 69th minute and replaced by Robinho. However, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Ronaldo would keep his place in the starting line-up for Monday's match against Australia in Munich.

In 1998, Ronaldo was similarly dazed in the World Cup final against France, which Brazil lost 3-0.

Later it was revealed that Ronaldo had been taken ill in the hotel hours before the match, some reports claiming that he had suffered a fit. The episode was never fully explained.

He bounced back to finish as top scorer with eight goals at the 2002 World Cup finals including both in the 2-0 final win over Germany.

Before the '02 finals, he had been sidelined for the best part of two years after undergoing two knee operations.

This season, however, has so far been an unhappy one for Ronaldo.

He was hindered by a series of nagging injuries and his relationship with the fans at his club Real Madrid deteriorated after he said he felt unwanted.

His last game for them was on April 8, when he limped off after one hour with an injury to his right thigh.

- REUTERS