Move over Ronaldo... here comes Adriano

Anyone who has to fight with Ronaldo for a place in the team needs to do well when he is given a chance.

Brazil striker Adriano took his with both hands by scoring seven goals in six games to finish as top-scorer in the Copa America, which Ronaldo decided to skip.

The 22-year-old was almost too emotional to talk after scoring in the third minute of injury-time as Brazil drew 2-2 with Argentina in Sunday's final before winning 4-2 on penalties - when Adriano coolly converted his attempt.

"I'm very happy," he said. "I want to thank God, my family and my team mates. It's an inexplicable emotion."

Adriano, raised at Flamengo and now with Inter Milan, was given his first cap by Brazil at the age of 18 in a World Cup qualifier against Colombia in November 2000.

Many were surprised by his selection and it was more than two years before he won another cap in the friendly against Portugal.

Adriano was again called up for the Confederations Cup last year and, although he scored two goals, it was not a happy experience.

Brazil were knocked out in the first round and Adriano was criticised too for his alleged lack of technique.

Strong and powerful with a tremendous left-foot shot, Adriano was then overlooked for the next year as Brazil concentrated on qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.

But for the Copa America, Brazil rested their top players because of the timing of the tournament and he was given another chance.

He responded by scoring a hat-trick against Costa Rica, two more against Mexico and the crucial goals against Uruguay in the semi-final - when Brazil again won on penalties after a 1-1 draw - and Argentina.

Ronaldo will be back for the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in September but he may think twice before choosing which competitions he plays in.