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Ronaldinho the Paris Saint Germain striker set up one goal with an electrifying burst through the English defence and then scored the winner in a gripping quarter-final with a curling free-kick which caught England keeper David Seaman off his line (see picture).

But a joyful afternoon for the gifted 22-year-old turned into a nightmare in the 57th minute when he was given a straight red card for a rash challenge on Danny Mills that left the England defender writhing in agony.

Unless Brazil successfully appeal Mexican referee Felipe Rizo Ramos' decision, Ronaldinho will be given a two-match suspsension - ruling him out of any further part in the World Cup./p

If the suspension stays, Brazil will be deprived of one of their potent weapons in an already formidable arsenal. Firstly he mesmerised the English defence with a wonderful 30-yard burst through the middle, off-balancing the covering Ashley Cole with a sublime piece of footwork to leave his markers trailing.

The remaining defenders had got sucked in by his run, leaving Ronaldinho with the simple task of rolling a pass to an unmarked Rivaldo whose clinical finish past David Seaman brooked no argument.

The goal gave Brazil a vital psychological lift as the English players trudged off the pitch. And five minutes into the second half Ronaldinho put his team into the lead with a beguiling free-kick that caught Seaman, expecting a cross, out of position (pic).

Yet the Brazilian fans' samba celebrations were cut short seven minutes later when Ronaldinho followed through on Mills. Replays showed the studs-up tackle was late and rapped into Mills ankle - but whether it deserved red was another matter.

Referee Ramos was in no doubt however, reaching into his top pocket and flourishing red - possibly ending Ronaldinho's World Cup.

Source (AFP)