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.
But investing in attack, the defense of Ivory Coast opened space and Kaka stood out in the game, exchanging beautiful passes with Robinho. Brazil was playing much better, quite differently from the previous game against North Korea.
Just past the hour mark, Kaka advanced down the left flank, cleared away the African defender, and made a perfect cross between the goalkeeper and the defender to Elano who converted for a three-goal lead.
Foul Play
But the celebration was short for Elano who was maliciously injured four minutes later by Ismael Tiote who raised his studs, hitting the Brazilian player’s ankle. Elano left the field on the stretcher, unable to walk, and was replaced by Daniel Alves.
Ivory Coast found itself unable to deal with the skill and committed vicious and dangerous fouls. Kader Keita hit Michel Bastos violently and received a yellow card. The French referee Stephane Lannoy was losing control of the match.
On 78 minutes, Drogba rushed for attack in a fine solo run and nearly scored. Then, he beat the offside, took a cross and guided the ball home with his head. Ivory Coast was on the board at last.
But the fouls kept coming. Dunga complained angrily to the referee seeing his players being dangerously hurt. Kaka pushed a defender after being knocked down and was punished with a yellow card. Right after, Luis Fabiano was knocked down by Tiote.
Kaka seemed to get very upset. Keita ran towards Kaka who lifted his elbow slightly, hitting the chest of the African player who then raised his hands to the face mimicking a facial injury. The referee gave a red card to the Brazilian star, who will be left out of the game against Portugal next Friday.
Happy Fans
Brazilian fans were very pleased with the performance of the “Seleção” and will probably keep celebrating festively for the next week despite the sad ending of the game.
“I’m pleased. Kaka showed a better physical performance and the ‘Seleção’ stayed more on attack than on defense. This is our typical soccer,” said Menezes.
“I hope Kaka will be left out only for the next game,” added the journalism student.
