Kobe, Japan ? There’s only one Latin American team left at the World Cup. It must be Brazil.

The four-time champion defeated Belgium, 2-0, on Monday with second-half goals from Rivaldo and Ronaldo, advancing to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Was there really any doubt?

“The World Cup actually begins now,” Ronaldo said. “From now on every match will be a final, like today’s. Today it was wonderful, the support from the crowd, seeing that huge yellow-green mass in the stands.”

Like Brazil, Rivaldo was shut down until midway through the second half by a determined and stubborn Belgium team. But in the 67th minute he scored a goal worthy of the World Cup stage.

Taking a long pass off the right wing from Ronaldinho, Rivaldo took the ball on his chest, touched it with his left foot and spun to face the goal. He let it bounce once and shot from 18 yards out.