England's Danny Mills and Brazil's Roberto Carlos (in blue) collide in midair while battling for the ball. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        SHIZUOKA, Japan — Ronaldinho, the least accomplished of Brazil's Three Rs, was unstoppable Friday, lifting the four-time champions into the World Cup semifinals.

        Ronaldinho made two of the tournament's signature plays to lead Brazil past England 2-1. Then he got ejected, and Brazil had to play a man down for the last 33 minutes.

        Awarded a free kick barely in the danger zone, Ronaldinho floated a 35-yarder into the breeze. Goalkeeper David Seaman mistakenly took one step forward, and the ball settled over his head into the corner of the goal in the 50th minute.

England's goalie David Seaman strains back but cannot reach a shot from Brazil's Ronaldinho, which proved to be the winning goal. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        Seven minutes later, Ronaldinho was gone, ejected for a tackle on Danny Mills just outside the English penalty area. He stepped on Mills' foot and Mexican referee Felipe Ramos ruled intent to injure. Ronaldinho will also miss the semifinals as a result.

        England opened the scoring on a dreadful Brazilian error in the first half.

        Emile Heskey's long pass toward Michael Owen went directly to defender Lucio, but he totally misplayed it — directly to Owen's foot. Owen, going at full speed despite a sore groin muscle, had no trouble putting a right-footed shot over the sprawling Marcos from 12 yards.

A man with England's Cross of St. George painted on his face reacts with other English soccer fans in the Sports Cafe in London as they watch Brazil score against England. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        It was yet another example of the leaky Brazilian defense, which many felt could be its downfall in its quest for an unprecedented fifth world title. But that defense settled down, particularly when Brazil was reduced to 10 men.

        Just when England seemed in control, captain David Beckham lost a ball near the sideline and fell. Brazil counterattacked and Ronaldinho made a brilliant 40-yard run down the middle, beating two defenders before passing to Rivaldo inside the penalty area.

        Rivaldo, who botched his first three touches of the game, made no mistake this time. He sent a left-footed shot from 12 yards to the far corner in injury time.

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