Ronaldinho asks teammates, referees to protect him

Fearful of being injured, Brazilian star Ronaldinho Wednesday asked his teammates and referees to protect him in the World Cup. The 26-year-old Barcelona superstar believes Brazil's opponents will attempt to stop them from playing their attractive style of football in Germany.
"All the teams are waiting for us and will be doubly alert in paying attention to our attack," said the "World Player of the Year".
"It's vital that the refereeing is rigorous because of our style of playing. Every team we play regardless of their normal style of play defend against us," added Ronaldinho.
Knowing he might be the target of every defendant of Brazil's opponents, Ronaldinho hoped his teammates could gave him some help in the tournament, which kicks off on Friday.
"We are mindful that it is difficult to score goals in that case. The others will play tight at the back and wait to hit us on the counter-attack. So that we need to cooperate more, just give the pressure to the other team," said the Brazilian.
The defending champions arrived in Koigstein, a small town 26 km from Frankfurt on Monday, and started their training Thursday.
Seeking to win their sixth world title, Brazil will play Croatia in their opening match in Berlin Tuesday. They will also face Australia and Japan.