Scolari hails Brazil success

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has thanked strker Ronaldo for the goal that put Brazil into their third World Cup final in a row.

Scolari was the fourth coach used by the South American side as they struggled at times to qualify for the finals with Ronaldo missing every game with injury problems.

The striker returned to the side in a friendly against Malaysia in May and scored his first goal for the selecao since 1999. He is now top scorer at the finals after his 49th minute shot on the run won the Saitama semi final against Turkey.

"When I saw him with that strange haircut it was a positive sign," said Scolari after the win as Ronaldo played with a patch of hair at the front of his shaven head.

"I knew he'd be playing this match. But I decided to bring him off after his goal to keep him fresh for the next match.”

Brazil meet Rudi Voller’s Germany side Germany on Sunday in the final – their first meeting ever at a World Cup finals despite fourteen appearances in the final between them.

"The Germans are a strong team with a great tradition. They have a fantastic record at the World Cup," Scolari said.

"Rudi and I had the world hanging round our necks during qualifying - but I said to him at the draw 'maybe we'll meet in the final.' And here we are. I'll give him a hug.”

"It's something very big to get to a third straight final. There is a good atmosphere in the dressing room and from the fans.”