Ronaldo was twice frustrated by Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi in the first 20 minutes.

He finally broke through when he was allowed a free close-range header in first-half injury time to level the score at 1-1.

Ronaldo then wrapped up the 4-1 win with a clinical finish from the edge of the area late in the game.

Japan's coach Zico, a Brazilian, was unhappy his team went out of the competition.

"It's a very disappointing result to take but the way we lost the first game against Australia shows what a tough business football can be," said Zico.

Japan lost 3-1 to Australia, conceding all three goals in the last few minutes.

"For us a victory tonight would have been decisive but Brazil played well and exploited our uncertainties and weaknesses well," he added.