A confrontation between two teams with a strong offense and natural defensive capabilities was to take place this Sunday, but violence was the main enemy of the natural grace and creativity that flew from both sides: The African nation ended the game with three yellow cards, and the Brazilians were forced to see Kaka been sent away at the last three minutes after a childish foul. Most of the game Kaka shown clear signs of improvement, and what could have been a memorable performance was shadowed with indiscipline in the last minutes. At least he won't miss a decisive match, for nothing can stop the Verdeamarelhos now from showing their worth in the next stage. Cote d'Ivoire will have to wait for South American assistance to stop Portugal and do their best against Korea. Will this be one of the few African nations within the best sixteen?
Fabiano's revival
This has been a dreamed evening for Luis Fabiano, as he showed in which way he is the ultimate Brazilian striker of the last years, able to take command of team's offensive and score even when everything is against him. Maicon was once again a fundamental player for Dunga, able to act as a link between the eleven players, and Julio Cesar had a difficult evening in which he showed Brazil will be a tough nut to crack no matter which team they have to face.
The first 10 minutes were difficult for the Brazilians, and the Elephants had their fair share of opportunities to celebrate the first goal, but once Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva were settled in the midfield, the Africans could not stand against Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano's overwhelming force. At the 25th minute the African goal was finally broken, when Luis Fabiano sent a ball right into the right upper angle when facing Barry face to face. The first half ended with the Brazilians looking forward to another goal, but it had to wait until the first minutes of the second half.
A controversial goal, but an exquisite one. Luis Fabiano used his hands to control an excellent pass from Kaka in the middle of the area. He lifted the ball over one African defender, controlled it and lifted again.. finally he shoot furiously against the goal, celebrating for a second time in the tournament. Kaka was once again the messenger of good news, when he beautifully advanced from the left side and assisted Elano under the posts.
From that moment on the game cooled down, as Dunga introduced a few defensive modifications (Dani Alves was given a few minutes on the fields and was about to score the fourth goal with a furious blow), and Drogba's goal on minute '79 was only a consolation for the Elephants to remain competitive in the group.
When silence drawns the screams
On minute 85' Kaka was given a caution after a foul. Three minutes later he was part of a controversial situation, in which Keita run in front of him and simulated a foul. The referee (Who had already taken the wrong decision every time he was given an opportunity to do so) bought the act and Kaka was sent to the rest rooms without an opportunity to celebrate a sounding victory with his team mates.
Dunga's boys have shown they're ready to claim their sixth title, while one of the African favorites is about to take a test of fire to survive the Death Group.
