Brazil beat the Ivory Coast to send them through to the next stage of the competition, but for the Ivory Coast it was a night to forget, and leaves them with only the slightest of hopes to qualify. The game was packed with goals, cards and controversial decisions but despite the scoreline, it was not a classic Brazilian victory - more of a composed and measured one. In the end it was enough. Whilst, the Ivory Coast still remain in the competition, it doesn't look likely that they will qualify meaning that yet another African team will go crashing out in what has been a really difficult tournament for the African sides.
Kaka was the player most criticised following their 2-1 victory against North Korea. He was substituted off early, and during the game, he wasn't really anywhere to be seen. He had difficulty in getting the ball and making the most of the possession with his magic touches, that won him the Footballer of the Year Award in 2007. However, little did he know that he was to be at the centre of this match.
It was Kaka that was provider for the first goal, passing the ball to Luis Fabiano who played a nice one-two with him, before firing it into the net. That goal came 25 minutes into the match, after both teams had started off rather tentatively, much like the first group games. The Ivory Coast were happy to have captain and star man Didier Drogba back from injury. But unfortunately for them, he didn't look fully fit and was not able to influence the game as much as he would have liked. The game was being played at a pretty slow tempo until the goal was scored.
The Ivory Coast knew that they had to change their shape and open themselves up a bit if they were to go forward and score. And they really needed the goals. In doing so, Didier Drogba operated as a lone frontman with 5 midfielders behind him to add more width to their game, and so open Brazil's defence up a bit, and get behind the fullbacks.
But, they were soon caught out by Luis Fabiano again, as he managed to control the ball brilliantly (or so it seemed) and scored from close range. However, replays showed that he clearly handled the ball as it rolled off his shoulder whilst he tried to control it and it should have been disallowed. The referee, Stephane Lannoy, from France even asked Luis Fabiano if he handled it, would you believe it or not! Well he's hardly gonna say yes then is he?!
Kaka actually had a great chance to make it 3 for the Samba boys but could only direct it at the keeper. However, he was on hand to dance his way past the Ivorian defenders and unselfishly get the ball out for Elano to score his second goal, which he celebrated by pulling out his shin pads, which had the name of his kids printed on them. It was a good job he put them back in, because had he not done so, he would have been even more badly injured by a nasty tackle from an Ivory Coast player. He was stretchered off the pitch and it looks like it could just be heavy bruising, and thankfully nothing worse.
The game did not end there though as there was still time for another goal. Didier Drogba got his first goal of the tournament, as a overhead pass from Yaya Toure found its way over to him, and he was able to head the ball in. However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal for his team, as the game ended 3-1.
But, before it could end, there was yet another big moment in the game with Kaka being sent off for two yellow cards. It came with only 5 or so minutes remaining when Kaka was punished with a yellow for pushing Yaya Toure. However, having only just been booked, he was sent off the field a minute later, for what looked like a nothing collision. It sparked a moment of confusion, chaos and madness, as players from both sides began having it out with each other. The referee took a moment to consider things, before Kaka saw red. However, watching on the replays it was clear to see that the referee had been conned. In no way, was that a yellow card. Kaka and Keita had both come together, and there was a little nudge by Kaka, but that was it. Kaka didn't hit Keita on the face, but Keita collapsed holding his hands to his face as though he had just been smacked. We don't like seeing things like that, and it's really stupid for a player to go down faking it. Not only are they doing a disservice to their fellow players, but they are going to be caught out sooner or later, as there are cameras following you everywhere. We know what went on with Zidane and how that tarnished his reputation. It might help you in a game, but the Ivory Coast, at 3-1 down and with barely 5 minutes on the clock left, were going nowhere. It was a silly bit of playacting that will prevent Kaka from playing for Brazil in the next game. As unfair as it was, it did remind one of the famous Rivaldo incident at the corner flag so maybe the Turkish will see it as karma. However, the most astonishing thing about all of this is that the referee nor his assistants saw what happened!!! The referee, at the time was watching the ball in front of him, whereas Kaka and Keita were on his left side. He only went by the reaction of the player, Keita and the Ivory Coast players who surrounded him. His assistant was way over on the far side, so he was of no use. But seriously, if the referee hasn't seen what's gone on then how can he make a decision?! It was a poor, poor call by the ref but luckily Kaka has only been given a one-match ban.
Well, I said before in an earlier post, that no world cup is complete without controversial decisions, and it seems that in the last few days we've had a few too many...
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