RONALDO, the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, scored for the third time in as many matches and Edmilson recorded his first international goal in spectacular fashion as Brazil strolled to a 5-2 rout of Costa Rica in Group C.

Costa Rica's three-goal defeat, coupled with Turkey's 3-0 victory over China, means "Los Ticos" are out of the World Cup by virtue of their inferior goal difference to the Turks.

Rivaldo and Junior tallied a goal and an assist apiece as Brazilwon Group C and became the second team to earn maximum points in the opening round. Spain accomplished the feat in Group B.

Ronaldo vowed to score in every match at this World Cup and, after his apparent 10th-minute effort was ruled an own goal by defender Luis Marin, the star striker delivered three minutes later.

He fought off four Costa Rican players to put home his 40th career goal for Brazil and make it 2-0.

Just seven minutes before the interval, Edmilson got hold of a deflected cross and fired a dazzling bicycle kick past Costa Rica goalkeeper Erick Lonnis.

Paulo Wanchope and Ronald Gomez found the net, reducing Costa Rica's deficit to 3-2. But "Los Ticos" were unable to capitalize on most of their 17 shots and failed to repeat their performance at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where they reached the second round.