Suarez bite blight on wonderful World Cup: Ronaldo

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AP Rio de Janeiro
Last Updated : Jun 27 2014 | 10:06 AM IST
Brazil great Ronaldo believes Luis Suarez biting an opponent was terrible for football at a World Cup of "wonderful surprises."
Speaking after the Uruguay forward's nine-match, four-month ban was announced yesterday, Ronaldo said football must be used to benefit the world.
"People have to be held responsible and accountable for what they do in the game," Ronaldo said through a translator.
"Those that do not follow this have to be punished."
Ronaldo added that he had never bitten an opponent.
"But I know that bites hurt," he said. "My young kids used to bite me and I used to punish them. In my home, punishment is called 'the dark room with the big bad wolf,' so I suppose for an adult four months with no football is the same."
The two-time World Cup winner, in 1994 and 2002, praised the overall quality of a tournament he helped organize.
Neymar has been the best player, Lionel Messi will improve and crowd-pleasing Costa Rica "really blew my mind," Ronaldo said.
He expects the Brazil and Argentina stars to meet in the final on July 13.
"They are both outstanding," Ronaldo said of the two South Americans who have scored four goals each in three group matches.
"Neymar, in my opinion, is the best in the World Cup," he said, citing the 22-year-old Brazil No. 10's increased maturity.
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First Published: Jun 27 2014 | 10:06 AM IST

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