Brazil's Ronaldo (L) heads the ball to score against Japan's goalkeeper Kawaguchi Yoshikatsu during the final round match of World Cup 2006 Group F in Dortmund, Germany, June 22, 2006. -Xinhua

Brazil striker Ronaldo silenced his critics by scoring twice in the defending champions' 4-1 victory over Japan to become the joint highest scorer in World Cup finals history with 14 goals in Dortmund on Thursday.

The Real Madrid forward equalled former West Germany striker Gerd Mueller's record achieved during the 1970 and 1974 tournaments, when he grabbed his second goal of the game at 81, adding to a first half equaliser being headed in at the far corner on the 46th minute.

"I'm very happy I've made such a significant improvement physically and technically during the competition," said Ronaldo, who was accused of being too fat and criticised for sluggish performance in Brazil's unconvincing World Cup wins against Croatia and Australia.

"Patience is the key word. I managed to stay calm and patient in all the difficult moments," he added.

Ronaldo, the Golden Shoe winner in 2002, went into the match in Dortmund level with compatriot Pele on 12 goals. His first goal of the night, a header just before the interval, brought him level with Frenchman Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals in the 1958 finals. The 29-year-old then hit a stunning effort on 81 minutes to draw level with Muller.

"I'm happy to equal the record. Scoring goals is always something I try to do on the field. It's a thrilling achievement for me and a very happy day. I hope that it's not the end of my scoring at this World Cup."

"Ronaldo has been playing for the good moment. He might not be playing today in the best physical condition, and I hope he'll perform much better and score more goals in next phase," said Brazil's coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

This is Ronaldo's fourth FIFA World Cup. Although a member of his country's victorious squad in 1994, the then 17-year-old did not see any playing time as Brazil won their fourth title.

Four years later in France, he was Brazil's four-goal leading marksman as they reached the final, before finding the target eight times during the 2002 competition.

Ronaldo will have the chance to break Muller's long-standing record when Brazil meet Ghana in the Round of 16 in Dortmund on 27June.

Brazil wrapped up their Group F campaign with three wins from as many matches, and secured a last 16 face-off with World Cup debutants Ghana next Tuesday.