RIO DE JANEIRO—On Sunday, fireworks at dawn announced in the skies of Rio de Janeiro the day of the big World Cup Group G match between Brazil and Ivory Coast.
Brazilian fans considered Ivory Coast as a dangerous opponent and hoped that the “Seleção” would keep attacking, relying on the creativity of its most talented players, but without opening holes for the opponent’s counterattack. Ivory Coast had acknowledged Brazil as the favorite but promised no retreat.
“I hope Brazil will play in an attacking manner. I also hope that Kaka will improve in physical form,” said Felipe Menezes, 23, a journalism student in Rio de Janeiro.
“Ivory Coast is a tough opponent with great physical strength. We have to be careful especially with the striker [Didier] Drogba. If we give him space, he can take over the game.”
In the match, Ivory Coast saw the danger of Brazil and Kaka was strongly marked by three players at once.
In the first 20 minutes, Ivory Coast dominated the game. The Brazilian team had difficulty beating the opponent’s defense and made many mistakes that created scoring opportunities for Ivory Coast.
It was necessary to change the playing style. On 25 minutes, Luis Fabiano started the coup by giving a heel pass to Robinho, who passed quickly to Kaka. Kaka returned the ball to Luis Fabiano who got free from defenders. The striker sent a rocket right at the right angle, giving no chance for the Ivory Coast goalkeeper.
Trailing by a goal, Ivory Coast went on the attack but left room in its defense. The improvement of Brazilian team was evident and its players exchanged beautiful passes, creating great chances at goal.
Brazilian fans kept celebrating the goal, but off course they were not satisfied and hoped that the “Seleção” would return with full force for the second half.
To satisfy the desire of the fans, on 50 minutes Luis Fabiano made perhaps the most beautiful and certainly one of the most controversial goals of this World Cup, touching the ball gently over two defenders’ heads, cushioning it in his right arm and firing to the goal.
“It was an unintentional hand, a saint hand, since the hand was involuntarily, it made part of the painting of the goal,” said Luis Fabiano at the end of the match to Brazilian media.
