FULL TIME - Match #29 (GROUP G) -
BRAZIL - 3
(Luis Fabiano 25', 50')
(Elano 62')
IVORY COAST - 1
(Drogba 79')
This was more like the Brazil we know. Some fantastic passing and pacing, plus perfect timing and co-ordination between Robinho, Kaka & Luis Fabiano resulted in the first 2 goals. Kaka had a hand in all 3, and he was really shining in this match. Drogba got one back for Ivory Coast but it was always a case of doing a little too much till the end.
The last 10 minutes got a bit sour though. Plenty of tackles were resulting in free kicks for either side, and the Ivory Coast players might be thinking Brazil were resorting to time wasting tactics. A very unsavory spat between them and Kaka resulted in him getting yellow carded twice and the subsequent Red Card to Kaka meant Brazil had to fight out the last 6-7 minutes with 10 men.
Ivory Coast kept pushing, but Brazil held their nerves and the Ivory Coast attacks at bay to take the fighting win.
Brazil are yet to strike their top form. They looked ominous in the front today, certainly much better than their first match, but their defending still leaves a lot to be desired. Conceding goals in both matches should be a worry for Dunga, their coach and former captain/defender. They need to keep improving.