Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva says he and the whole team have full confidence that Ronaldo will shine again and lead the team to the World Cup title. Ronaldo is under heavy criticism from media and spectators who say that the Real Madrid striker is no more worthy to start for the defending champions. "It is total rubbish," Gilberto told Sky Sports Network, referring to reports talking about Ronaldo's weight problems and lack of clinical finishes in front of the goal. "Everybody in our squad supports Ronaldo because we know how important he is to us." Ronaldo scored 12 World Cup goals in his last two participations to tie Brazil's great Pele and stands just three goals away from being the best World Cup striker of all time. The 30-year-old forward failed to impress during Brazil's first two games and was substituted two times by his club team mate Robinho, who created a much-better partnership in the front line with Adriano. Gilberto, though, believes that Ronaldo is restoring his shape and will provide a lift in the decisive stages of the tournament. "His performance against Australia was better than his one against Croatia and I know he can improve even more as the tournament progresses," the Arsenal player said. Brazil booked their place in the first knock-out stage after two wins over Croatia and Australia and they will take on Japan in their final group-stage tie on Thursday.
