BERLIN _ Just as the weight controversy had began to die down, Ronaldo failed to impress in Brazil's World Cup debut on Tuesday, looking slow and even sluggish at times.

Brazil defeated Croatia 1-0, but Ronaldo _ who is only three goals shy of becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer _ had few scoring opportunities and barely touched the ball.

He was taken off in the 69th minute and replaced by Robinho, who many say would be a better option in attack for Brazil as it tries to win a record sixth world title.

"Ronaldo hadn't been playing for two months ... it's natural, in a hot day like today, that he felt the lack of rhythm," Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said. "Certainly, from now on he will get in form little by little."

Playing in his 100th match with Brazil and in his fourth World Cup, Ronaldo's only shot came in the 56th, a right-footer from about 25 meters (yards) over the crossbar.

"Ronaldo has said in interviews he's not 100 percent, he's not in ideal form," Brazil midfielder Kaka said. "Let's hope he becomes that Ronaldo we all want to see. A little more movement from his part would have been ideal."

From the beginning it looked like Ronaldo was going to have a bad game. He seemed always a step behind trying to get to passes, and had difficulty controlling the ball.

The Real Madrid striker is level with Pele with 12 World Cup goals, one fewer than Just Fontaine of France and two fewer than Gerd Muller of Germany. One more goal will make him Brazil's top scorer.

If Brazil clinches the title _ its second consecutive _ Ronaldo will equal Pele as a three-time champion.

Ronaldo had a series of injuries earlier this year and a muscle ailment forced him to miss action for most of April and May. He also had to cope with blisters and a mild fever because of a respiratory infection during Brazil's pre-World Cup preparation.

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