I was punched, stamped on,says Ronaldo

Striker Ronaldo claims he was punched and stamped on by a Turkey defender during Brazil's 1-0 World Cup semi-final win in Saitama on Wednesday.

Ronaldo, who struck the winner in the 49th minute at Saitama Stadium to emerge as the leading goalscorer at the finals, said here after getting involved in a tussle with Turkish defender Bulent Korkmaz.

"I think it was No. 3 (Korkmaz) that I had a quarrel on the pitch with after we fell together," Ronaldo was quoted by Japanese news agency Kyodo as saying.

"After we both got up, we had a problem because he stamped on me and hit me on the head with his fist. It made me angry and that's the only reason I reacted," he added.

Ronaldo took his total World Cup tally to 10 goals -- only two behind Brazil's all-time top scorer in the World Cup, Pele.

"The goal made me happy, it's a very pleasant feeling. But it's a goal for the team, to take us to the final. Then and there I want to score the most important goal of my career," he said.

The Inter Milan star, who had been doubtful for the Turkey match after suffering from a thigh strain, said he intends to get plenty of rest before Sunday's final against Germany in Yokohama, Kyodo reported.

"I want to recover from this hard game. I had muscle pains in my lower legs, so my plans are just to rest and try and recover in time for the final," he said.

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