BERLIN (AFP) — Rooney hobbled, Togo argued, coaches ranted, the Czechs disappointed, fans sweated and by the end of it, the world’s deadliest striker with the bulging waistline had gorged on another record.
If the first round of the World Cup was low on shocks on the pitch, it was high on controversy off it while reputations melted in the 30-degree saunas of 12 German stadiums.
England’s bid to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 was played out in hospital clinics as much as on the pitch.
Wayne Rooney made an impressive recovery from a broken foot to play a bit part against Trinidad and Tobago, then huffed and puffed when he was taken off against Sweden.
Michael Owen’s World Cup ended after a minute of the 2-2 draw with the Swedes with knee ligament damage as England reached the second round in stuttering fashion.
Skipper David Beckham also endured a less than productive opening stage with coach Sven-Goran Eriksson hinting the Real Madrid man was expendable.
"I’m here as the England captain in a very good situation. We’re in the last 16, we’re very confident. I’m not sat up here to discuss my own form, that’s for you guys to do," snapped the former golden boy.
By contrast, Ronaldo, condemned as an overweight, overrated has-been, rescued his reputation with one of the goals of the tournament, a dizzying exchange of passes which finished with a smart turn and drive to secure a 4-1 win over Japan.
The 29-year-old striker now has 14 World Cup goals, level with German legend "bomber" Gerd Muller at the top of the all-time list.
"You have to keep working and not lose heart," said Ronaldo.
Argentina, first round casualties in 2002, threw off the cynicism of old with a breathtaking display of attacking football which demolished Serbia and Montenegro 6-0.
Juan Roman Riquelme and Lionel Messi look tough to stop.
Germany too proved many wrong winning all three Group A matches to move into the second round.
"It will help us get respect from opponents," said coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
Australia boosted their reputation as a nation of battlers by reaching the second round with the much-criticised Harry Kewell grabbing the equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Croatia.
"It’s the most important goal for me so far in my career," said the Liverpool star.
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