Ronaldo has given perhaps the most plausible explanation for his lackadaisical performance in the World Cup final: he took a tranquiliser only hours before the game.

In the latest twist to the tale of the Brazil striker, he told a television interviewer that he was given half a blue pill after suffering a 30-second fit and shortly before going for a medical check at a clinic in Paris. His story has been confirmed by the team doctor Lidio Toledo.

"The pill would have slowed down his reaction time and co-ordination," said Helio Ventura, a sports medicine specialist. "It is comparable to having an alcoholic drink."

Reports from Italy suggest that Serie A side Sampdoria are poised to bid for Argentina's World Cup midfielder Ariel Ortega (23).

Japan pick new football chief after dismal World Cup debut

Tokyo, July 20 (AFP) Japan, still smarting from their dismal debut in the World Cup finals in France, picked Shunichiro Okano, a member of the International Olympic Committee, to replace Ken Naganuma who resigned at the end of his second two-year term.

Hristo Bonev will remain coach of Bulgaria for another four years despite their disastrous World Cup, a senior official said yesterday.