Ronaldo blames tiredness for injury

RONALDO has blamed his lack of football over the last two years as the cause of his thigh injury picked up against England, but vowed to be ready to play against Turkey in Wednesday's semi-final.

'The Phenomenon' was withdrawn in the second half of Brazil's 2-1 victory on Friday, the only game the tournament's joint top scorer has failed to hit the net in, after feeling some soreness in his thigh.

The Internazionale striker says the injury was a result of tiredness, a consequence of starting five games in 16 days after beginning only ten matches for his club side during the previous campaign.

"I went two years without playing and, now that we have played a lot of games in a short space of time, I'm more tired than the others," Ronaldo told a Japanese television station at his country's team hotel.

"It's hard work - but I have three more days to get better. I am going to give absolutely everything for this World Cup."

"I am not worried about being top scorer - I just want to get as many goals as possible to help Brazil win the World Cup.

"This is the main goal."