Ronaldo Hat-Trick As Corinthians Cruises to Victory Over Fluminense

"The Phenomenon" fired in a superb hat-trick to continue his impressive form this year.

Ronaldo scored three times as Corinthians beat Fluminense 4-2 in a Brazilian Championship game at the Pacaembu last night.

It was Corinthians' first match since conquering the Brazilian Cup last week. Ronaldo starred for the Timao, scoring twice in the first half and once in the second.

The Brazilian superstar opened the scoring in the 24th minute, when he met a superb ball from Douglas with a clinical finish.

In the 35th minute Ronaldo added his second in spectacular style as he dribbled and faked both Cassio and Edcarlos before tucking the ball past Ricardo Berna.

Six minutes before full-time Ronaldo completed his hat-trick, with another impressive first-time finish past a motionless Berna once more.

They were Ronaldo's first goals of the Brazilian League Championship this season, however the double World Cup winner scored several goals in the Paulista State Championship and the Brazilian Cup, both championships won by Corinthians.

The other goals were scored by Dentinho, for Corinthians, and by Argentine playmaker Dario Conca and an own goal from Diego, for Fluminense.

Former Lyon striker Fred was sent off for Fluminense late in the second half for dissent.

It was Corinthians' fourth win in nine matches and places them in fifth. They now challenge for the leadership, fully focused on just one tournament.

Having won the Brazilian Cup, Corinthians will now play the Libertadores in 2010. Next year is also the 100th anniversary of the club.

There have been rumors of Carlos Tevez returning to his former club and also the hiring of Riquelme for the 2010 Libertadores and Club World Cup supremacy, but nothing has been confirmed.

If Ronaldo continues to find the back of the net at such a rate, there's no doubt he could appear for Brazil in South Africa next year in a bid to win his third World Cup title.

For those who missed it, Ronaldo's goals can be seen here.