Brazil shines as Kaka is sent off in 3-1 victory

A great match, star names, beautiful football, and that little bit of controversy which helps spark the World Cup fever around the world even more. While Portugal will be playing DPR Korea tomorrow, here's the Brazil vs Ivory Coast match report.

Brazil - Ivory Coast


This match started with the Ivory Coast pushing for the opening goal, Brazil looked clumsy at the beginning as the Ivory Coast tried to create something. But this didn't last long, in the 25th minute as Brazil were entering their stride, some great passing between Robinho, Kaka, and Luis Fabiano led to the Brazilian striker being played through one on one. From there, Luis Fabiano just blasts the ball into the top of the net over Ivory Coast keeper Barry's head for a wonderful opening goal.

Brazil kept possession throughout the game as they went on to score again with Luis Fabiano in the 50th minute, a true center-forward's goal except with a little bit of Brazilian flair added to it. Fabiano all alone with a high ball played to him, he controls, flicks it over one defender, two defender, and then a left foot volley which Barry couldn't handle.

Then just 12 minutes later Kaka running towards the penalty box cutting in from the left, a simple cut-back allows Elano to come in and tap in a third neat and tidy goal. Wonderful playing from Kaka as he set up Elano, but just minutes later Elano goes into a slide tackle and has his shin stepped on, he's taken off for Dani Alves as he limped towards the treatment room.

But the Ivory Coast weren't done, substitute Gervinho with a blistering run all along against two Brazilian defenders eventually finds himself in a corner of Brazil's side, he passes it to Yaya Toure who then chips it for an oncoming Drogba who just has to nod his head for the consolation goal.

But the match wasn't over, Kaka got his first yellow in the 85th minute for pushing and putting his hands on Keita, and then in the 88th Kaka sticks out his elbow just enough to give Keita the chance to dive. The African player is on the floor with almost both teams surrounding him as everyone is arguing and fighting as they push and lay hands on each other. Kaka in the meantime got as far away as he could from the situation, but referee Lannoy made sure that Kaka received his second yellow card as he sent the Brazilian off.

A great match full of controversy, be sure to share your thoughts below about it!

Paraguay dominate Slovakia and Italy draw 1-1 with New Zealand

We have seen the world champions be stumped not once, but twice. First against Paraguay, and now against New Zealand, Italy are just unable to find a win. But Paraguay go on to take the lead in the group after defeating Slovakia 2-0.

Here's how Group F stands after these two results:

Paraguay            (4)
Italy                    (2)
New Zealand     (2)
Slovakia             (1)

Italy - New Zealand


A match which the reigning World Cup champions really would've wanted to win, but instead, they put themselves in a bad position just 7 minutes in conceding from a free kick. A flick from a New Zealand head and Cannavaro's poor defending let Smeltz lightly tap it past Federico Marchetti, Italy's second goal-keeper.

After the goal, Italy began to wake up as they dominated possession, keeping the ball but creating few chances. Montolivo hit the inside of the post around the half hour mark with a long range bouncing effort, and just a minute later Italy get themselves a penalty.

It was Smith, tugging on De Rossi's shirt as the Italian was about to finish a cross which led to the penalty against New Zealand, a relatively harsh decision, but fair in retrospect as the Guatemalan referee was fair and uptight about the rules. Iaquinta stepped up to take the penalty and with the inside of his foot drove it into the net to give Italy an important equalizer.

While Italy continued to dominate possession throughout the first and second half, they created few concrete chances, most of them attributed to long range strikes. Montolivo again tested the truly magnificent Paston in New Zealand's goal along with Camoranesi whose shot would've been the perfect top corner goal if it hadn't been saved.

The kiwis scared Italy late in the second half with substitute Wood who was able to get around Cannavaro and lash his shot just wide of the post, which could've been an epic winner for New Zealand.  But in the end, New Zealand held onto the draw as Italy were unable to find the winner, which leaves the world champions in a precarious position in their upcoming game against Slovakia.

Slovakia - Paraguay


A 2-0 win for Paraguay which takes them almost to the round of 16, instead a Slovakia side which will be very disappointed with their performance as they were only able to register one shot on goal. Paraguay found the goal in the 27th minute with Lucas Barrios providing a through ball for Enrique Vera to finish with a curling shot with the outside right boot.

Paraguay went on to truly dominate but they found the second goal only four minutes from the end of the 90 minutes, bad defending from Slovakia allowed Riveros to strike true with his left foot. A straight and direct shot which gave Paraguay a definitive win. Slovakia were able to get their first shot on target in stoppage time, Vittek rifled a great shot which Villar dealt with well as he kept the clean sheet for Paraguay's win.