Brazil [Images] striker Ronaldo [Images], who is going through one of the most barren patches of his career, says he accepts the pressure and that scoring goals is the only way to silence his critics.

"The problems will be over when the ball starts going into the net," he told Brazilian media in Montevideo, where Brazil face Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

"It's not up to me to agree or disagree with the critics," he added. "I do my own self-criticism, when I put my head on the pillow at night and think about what I could have done differently."

Ronaldo has hit a goalscoring drought at Real Madrid [Images] amid reports of clashes with coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

His international form has also suffered and he played poorly in Sunday's 1-0 World Cup win over Peru, despite laying on the winning goal for Kaka [Images].

"The Brazilians are demanding and have become used to winning titles," Ronaldo said. "I don't think that's going to change. Football is one of the few things that can still bring happiness to the Brazilians. I accept the pressure."

"I didn't get where I am today by chance," he added. "Nobody gave me anything. I have my merits."

Ronaldo will be playing his first match at Montevideo's historic Centenario stadium, venue of the first World Cup final in 1930.

• Complete football coverage