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Ivory Coast

Brazil 3 – 1 Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast lost control of their fate in the 2010 World Cup with defeat to Brazil, and may have lost a few fans as well.

The South Americans, among the favourites to lift this year’s trophy, outplayed and out-battled the Elephants throughout, while the simulation involved in the late sending off of Kaka will reflect very badly on Sven Goran Eriksson’s team.

Fans were looking forward to a great game between two of the most potent attacking sides in the competition

The defeat leaves Ivory Coast with one point from two games, victory for Brazil taking their tally to six and confirming their passage to the second round. The Elephants could still qualify, though a win over North Korea in their final group match is now crucial and goal difference may yet have a part to play.

But many who tipped Ivory Coast to be a success at this year’s tournament, including those who saw the Elephants as Africa’s best hope, will have been disappointed by an underwhelming performance against a Brazil side who only required brief flashes of their renowned brilliance to bring them victory.

Eriksson gave the fans a boost with the inclusion of captain Didier Drogba, still sporting an arm cast after recovering from a broken elbow. With Gervinho making way for Drogba, the rest of the team that started against Portugal kept their places. Brazil named the same eleven that secured an opening win against North Korea.

After Robinho sent a warning shot just over the bar within sixty seconds, Ivory Coast failed to capitalise on a number of set piece opportunities. By defending deep, bringing all eleven players behind the ball for almost every Brazil attack, the Elephants allowed the five-time world champions to dictate the tempo and wait for a chance to present itself.

Julio Cesar in the Brazil goal was equal to the Ivorian set-piece threat

Such a chance came twenty five minutes in, Robinho and Kaka combining to send Luis Fabiano through on goal, the striker sending a blistering strike past a helpless Barry to ridicule criticisms of his goal-shy form. It was Brazil’s first real sight of goal, but the ruthlessness with which it was taken separated the South Americans from the toothlessness of the Ivorian threat. Aruna Dindane and Emmanuel Eboue both sent shots over from long range before the break, but could not get a foothold in a game that was beginning to get away from them.

With a new formation for the second half, Dindane and Kalou coming back to form a five man midfield behind Drogba, Ivory Coast came out knowing that they needed improvements all over the park to swing the game in their favour. They will consider themselves unlucky, however, in the manner of Brazil’s second goal, Luis Fabiano doubling his tally with a fine solo run and finish from the edge of the area in which the ball was handled twice by the confidence-rich frontman.

Luis Fabiano scores his and Brazil's second goal

That the referee failed to spot either infringement set the tone for the rest of the game, as the story of the match drifted away from the score line, Brazil falling into a rhythm of control which offered very little hope for the tiring Elephants.

After Elano had added a third, clipping in a delightful cross from Kaka, he was forced off by an over the ball challenge from Cheik Tiote which should have produced a card from the French official.

The tackle rattled Brazil, and was followed by a similar challenge from substitute Kader Keita, which this time did not avoid a yellow card. Soon after, in the seventy ninth minute, Ivory Coast pulled one back. Drogba stole in behind a static Brazilian defensive line to coolly flick a header past Julio Cesar. It was merely a consolation in terms of the match, but could prove crucial should goal difference decide second place in the group.

Drogba scores yet another goal for his country

The game ended in controversy, however, as Kaka received two yellow cards within the space of four minutes. The first, for a push on Yaya Toure, was unnecessary. The second, brought upon by Keita’s absurd reaction to an off the ball collision, was shameful. A stunned Kaka wandered off the field following his dismissal with a sense of disbelief. Television replays showed a nudge to throw off the attentions of the onrushing Keita, who subsequently fell to the floor clutching his face.

Kaka smiles disbelievingly at the referee's decision

Such a reaction marred what was already a disappointing evening for Ivory Coast with an act of simulation perpetrated against one of the best-loved players at this year’s World Cup.

Brazil’s manager Dunga was left in little doubt as to the quality of the decision. “It was a totally unjustified dismissal of Kaka, he was fouled and yet he was punished,” he said. “What do we really have to do not to receive these yellow cards?”

Dunga reacts furiously to Kaka's red card

Eriksson, however, diverted attention back to Brazil’s second goal. “I heard Brazil complain a lot, but I don’t think they should, it is extra difficult when Fabiano is allowed to use his hands. It was not just once, it was twice,” said the Swede. “It shouldn’t have been allowed. They got a goal free. That’s a 2-0 goal – that changed everything.”

Such a complaint is valid, but ignores the superiority of Brazil’s performance. Outplaying Ivory Coast all over the pitch, Eriksson recognised the quality of their opponents. “I think the Brazil team can go all the way,” he said. “You need to be almost perfect to beat Brazil. In every way they are good.”

Should Brazil fulfil their potential, it will be scant consolation for Ivory Coast if they fail to qualify for the second round. While a victory in their final match against North Korea may still see them through, much of the damage has been done. The hope pinned on them by the home continent has been put in harsh perspective, while the fabrication of Kaka’s dismissal threatens to leave Africa looking elsewhere for inspiration at this World Cup.

Teams

Brazil Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos, Elano (Dani Alves 67),  Silva, Felipe Melo, Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Robinho (Ramires 90).

Subs Not Used: Gomes, Luisao, Thiago Silva, Gilberto, Josue, Julio Baptista, Kleberson, Nilmar, Grafite, Doni.

Sent Off: Kaka (null).

Booked: Kaka.

Goals: Luis Fabiano 25, 50, Elano 62.

Ivory Coast Barry, Demel, Toure, Zokora, Tiene, Dindane (Gervinho 54), Eboue (Romaric 72), Toure Yaya, Tiote, Kalou (Keita 68), Drogba.

Subs Not Used: Zogbo, Angoua, Boka, Gohouri, Doumbia, Gosso, Kone, Bamba, Yeboah.

Booked: Tiene, Keita, Tiote.

Goals: Drogba 79.

Att: 84,455

Ref: Stephane Lannoy (France).

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