THE THREE Rs

Although Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo only ever started six competitive internationals together, it was still enough to become possibly the greatest frontline in World Cup history.

Ronaldo and Rivaldo helped Brazil reach the 1998 World Cup Final, then a young Ronaldinho appeared as a substitute in the Selecao’s victorious 1999 Copa America campaign. Just as the triumvirate were set to combine in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldo’s knee issues hit, ruling him out of all 18 games.

Not until Brazil’s opener at the 2002 World Cup did the three greats finally start a competitive match together – Rivaldo and Ronaldinho in support of the returning Ronaldo. They soon became known as ‘ The Three Rs’, terrorising defences at will. If one of them didn’t get you, the other two probably would.

Ronaldinho scored two goals in five matches – most notably his famous free- kick to defeat England, seven minutes before his dismissal meant Edilson had to replace him in the semi- final. Rivaldo plundered five goals at the tournament, while Ronaldo struck eight – still the highest tally at a World Cup since Gerd Muller managed 10 at Mexico 70. After that, they started one more competitive tie together: a World Cup qualifier at home to Ecuador in 2003.

Bizarrely, they played in one Champions League final between the three of them – Ronaldinho’s triumph with Barcelona against Arsenal in 2006.

But their combined 15 goals in 2002 ensures they stand alone as the most prolific front trio to win the World Cup.