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Double triumph, says Ronaldo

Brazil's star player Ronaldo claimed a double triumph yesterday, saying he had won both the Copa America and his year-long fight to regain fitness.

Teammate Rivaldo, who finished alongside Ronaldo as the competition's joint topscorer with five goals, was equally elated after suffering bitter criticism earlier in the competition.

Asked if he saw the 3-0 final win over Uruguay as a victory for Brazil or himself, Ronaldo replied: ''Both at the same time.''

Ronaldo came into the tournament after an injury-plagued season in Europe.

''After a year of suffering, indecision, uncertainty and treatment, this is a very important moment and I'm very happy,'' he said.

''I thank God, I thank my teammates, I thank (coach) Wanderley Luxemburgo, for the confidence in me. It has been a very difficult year and to be able to run and not feel any pain has been wonderful, this has been one of the most important moments of my career.''

While he may not have done enough to claim the crown of world's best player, something which he was recognised as before last year's World Cup in France, he proved that he is nearly back to his devastating best.

Rivaldo's battle was to convince the Brazilian critics that he is as good for the national team as he is for his Spanish club Barcelona.

Bitterly criticised for his performance one week ago in the 2-1 quarter-final win over Argentina, Rivaldo replied with the second goal in the 2-0 semi-final win over Mexico and then two goals against Uruguay on yesterday.

''I don't think I have anything to prove to anyone,'' he said. ''I know there was a lot of criticism but I just concentrated on playing my game. In five games I played, I scored five goals and for me this is important.''

Rivaldo's confidence had grown so much by the second half that he even tried a shot with his right foot, which he almost never uses, and came close to completing his hat-trick.

He was singled out for praise by his coach, who has kept faith with a player he coached during a spell with Sao Paulo club Palmeiras.

''Rivaldo showed today that he can play this function in the Brazil team, distributing the ball and making the team play,'' said Luxemburgo.

The Copa America was Luxemburgo's first competition since taking over from Mario Zagallo in August. He now looks forward to the World Ccup qualifiers, which start in March, and will also take charge of the team for the 2000 Olympic Games.

''Today was important for the conquest and for the future,'' he said.

Brazil's next engagement is the Confederations' Cup in Mexico, which begins in one week's time. Brazil will be resting some top players, including Ronaldo.

UNI