Ronaldinho fired Brazil into the World Cup semi-finals today, a stunning freekick clinching a come-from-behind 2-1 win over England in Shizuoka.
But the Paris Saint Germain starlet will have to sit out the semi-final showdown against either Senegal or Turkey after getting himself controversially sent off just seven minutes after his goal.
Brazil's fightback turned the match on its head after Michael Owen put England ahead in the 23rd minute with a cool right-footed finish past keeper Marcos after defender Lucio miscontrolled a lofted pass from Emile Heskey.
It was the Liverpool star's 18th goal for England and his second of the tournament.
Rivaldo struck a brilliant equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time and that marked a sea-change in the fortunes of both sides.
The Barcelona superstar slotted his fifth goal of the finals seconds after a brilliant mazy run by Ronaldinho.
But if that goal seconds before the interval left the game poised on a knife edge it was nothing compared to what followed in the opening 13 minutes of the second period.
Paul Scholes fouled Kleberson some 40 metres out on the Brazilian right and Ronaldinho flighted the ball over Seaman and into the far corner of the net after the England shotstopper had left his line.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson withdrew Trevor Sinclair and sent on Kieron Dyer in an attempt to provide more of an attacking impetus.
But before the Newcastle star could make an impression the Brazilian midfield were left a man short, Mexican referee Felipe Rizo Ramos showing Ronaldinho a harsh red card for a challenge on Danny Mills.
Brazil made a surprise change as Ronaldo gave way to Cruzeiro's Edilson.
England gambled with a final throw of the dice in withdrawing Owen for Darius Vassell with 12 minutes remaining and Teddy Sheringham for fullback Ashley Cole.
But a Nicky Butt header over the bar was their best chance as the sands of time ran out on Sven-Goran Eriksson's side.
AFP