nOObie, impossible to choose between the two. They both came up big in the big games, and forced opposing defenses to split their defensive assignments, thus helping the other. IMO the two biggest goals for Brasil - based on flow of the games and timing - where the first goal against England in the quarters (deftly taken by Riva) and the semi-final goal against Turkey (Ronnie). Those where two games that where inching towards possible defeat and elimination. They both deserve credit. The unsung hero was Gilberto Silva, providing defensive cover and making up lots of ground in midfield, especially when Juninho was in the line-up.
I vote for none of the above. Ronaldinho was the key to both goals vs. England--the game Brazil most nearly lost. The free kick was, of course, spectacular. But the move he made to set up Rivaldo's goal was nothing less than the play of the World Cup.
I believe every player was important. Marcos was great in goal, Carlos and Cafu were awesome on the wings, Ronaldinho provided really good service and both Ronaldo and Rivaldo finished it up by scoring the goals.
Ronaldinho was by far the hero for Brazil in several situations... Against England, he was the man who created the first goal for Rivaldo... and then brought them back to win ... with the amazing free kick....
I'm glad you mentioned Gilberto Silva as Brazil's unsung hero. I agree with that view completely. Gilberto Silva's play was instrumental in Brazil's run to the World Cup last summer. Although Emerson is a good player, his injury allowed Gilberto Silva to come into the lineup. Gilberto is much more dyanmic than Emerson who plays the ball side to side too much while Gilberto Silva looks to play the ball forward more often and is more dangerous moving up.
Three stood out - Marcos, Ronaldinho, and Gilberto Silva. Ronaldinho was the best link between midfield and forward - he opened up the field for Rivaldo and Ronaldo up top, and the cover provided by Silva allowed Ronaldinho more freedom and for Roberto Carlos and Cafu to push up forward more along the wings. And of course, Marcos - I doubt we will see him play so well again. Of course give credit to Ronaldo and Rivaldo for the important goals. But the team worked well in a system this time. Oddly, I don't think Juninho really impressed so much in midfield alongside Ronaldinho.