Brazil's striker Ronaldo scored his 15th World Cup goal Tuesday to become the tournament's all-time top scorer.

Ronaldo's goal against Ghana took him past the 14 goals scored by Gerd Muller of West Germany at the 1970 and 1974 finals.

"I've had to work hard for everything I have achieved in my life, and this is no different," said Ronaldo, 29.

"That (the record) was never my goal, it's just something that's happened," he said. "I'm happy to have broken this record; for seven World Cups it has not been broken."

Ronaldo had disappointing performances in Brazil's first two matches against Croatia and Australia, when the Real Madrid striker was held scoreless and substituted for twice.

He was also bothered by a series of distractions, including a weight controversy and a string of minor health problems.

Ronaldo scored four goals in the 1998 World Cup, eight in 2002 and three so far in 2006.

His goal on Tuesday was his 62nd strike in 96 games for his country.