FIFA World Cup 2010 update – Brazil beat Ivory Coast 3-1; Fabiano scores twice, Drogba consolidates
Finally, one of the favourites playing like one, the mighty Brazil have made their way to the final 16 of the world cup. The Brazilians thumped the Ivory Coast 3-1, who simply were not able to match the Samba brilliance and fell flat.
Having said that there was still a lot to be desired from the 5 time world champions, the score-line may yet flatter to deceive. There were parts of the match where Brazil did bring out the vintage Brazilian game, but the dominating Brazilian football was not to be seen.
Luis Fabiano was on the score sheet twice. A slick first half strike earned him the first, but there were some questions about his 2nd. Although, he brilliantly tipped the ball over 2 defenders, he looked to have handled the ball before slotting it home. Elano got the 3rd after which Ivorian captain Didier Drogba headed in a consolation goal.
For Kaka however it can simply be termed as a mixed affair. The playmaker was in good touch throughout the game, showing his silky touch and threading passes from the midfield constantly. Though the way it ended for him was dreadful, Ivorian player Keita produced some dramatics when Kaka looked to have only brushed him in the chest. Keita went down holding his face, which led to a mini brawl among players from both side. Amidst a lot of pushing and shoving, Keita continued his antics lying flat on the ground and groaning in pain. That eventually conned the referee, and Kaka was shown 2nd yellow card which was obviously followed by a red. Once again a poor referee decision.
The Brazilian federation is hoping that it will not harm them too much. Having already qualified to the next round, Kaka will not be a big miss in the final group match even though it is against Portugal. Since, on video it is clear that the midfielder was shown an unjust yellow, he will definitely not be banned for 2 matches. Just as Australia’s Cahill was also banned for just one match following his unfair sending off against Germany.
Before all of that Kaka was looking at his best, while moving to Real Madrid from Ac Milan he has not had the best of time. He was not on song even in the opening match against North Korea. Critics had started asking questions about his form, but his performance on Sunday gave all the answers. The 2007 footballer of the year made it clear why he is believed to be one of the most potent midfielders in world football. His persistence and creativity was there for everyone to see and none more so then in the 3rd goal for Brazil. Kaka took on the ball on left side of midfield, making his way into the Ivory Coast 6 yard box. The whole of African defence tried to retrieve the ball from him, but were unsuccessful and finally rounded up the splendid effort by laying it off to Elano, who had a simple tap in to make.
That was not his only major contribution; earlier in the first half, it was once again Kaka who threaded one through for Luis Fabiano, who made no mistake and slotted the ball in to start the scoring.
Ivory Coast for most part of the match were chasing shadows, and considering Brazil were not at their supreme best is a scary fact. The only shining light for the Africans was their ever inspirational captain Drogba. Just 16 days after breaking his elbow he started for his country, and fittingly was the one to score the solitary goal for Ivory Coast.
Now looking at the points table of Group G which was termed as the group of death, Brazil are through. Things may still be not so bad for Ivory Coast if North Korea manage to get a shock win against Portugal on Monday. Well, that is unlikely but this world cup has already thrown some big upsets so it is more of a level playing field then it looks.
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