FIFA World Cup 2014: Germany's Miroslav Klose ties Ronaldo World Cup record

Fortaleza: Veteran German striker Miroslav Klose has the World Cup goal record after scoring as a substitute against Ghana on Saturday. The 36-year-old Klose made it 2-2 for Germany in the 71st minute for his 15th career World Cup goal, equaling the mark set by former Brazil striker Ronaldo.

Klose celebrated the record with an acrobatic flip, cheered on by the predominantly pro-German crowd at Arena Castelao in Fortaleza. Brazilian legend Ronaldo was quick to congratulate Miroslav Klose after the German equalled his record of 15 World Cup goals on Saturday.

“Welcome to the club,” the 37-year-old wrote on his Twitter account in German and English.

Klose flew to Brazil with question marks over his fitness after an injury-ravaged season restricted him to seven goals in 22 appearances for Lazio. But the veteran hot-shot delivered the goods when they mattered for Germany, just as he has done so often in the past. “You really want to come in when the team is winning,” admitted Klose.

“If a team like Ghana gathers momentum, it is of course difficult. It was much warmer than the Portugal game, and it was very intense. It doesn’t matter whether I play from the start or come off the bench, all games are important and 15 goals in 20 World Cup games isn’t bad,” Klose added.

Klose has been a constant presence since making his debut in 2001.