Brazil start to find their rhythm

In a game that lacked any real quality in the first 45 minutes, a few moments suggested at a Brazil team waiting to break out. The interplay for the first goal was lovely and weight on Kaka's ball to Fabiano was perfect. His finish was unstoppable, from that angle there was only a small amount of goal to aim for and the power he hit the ball with meat it had passed the keeper before he could react. Elano, before his unfortunate substitution was once again on of the best players on the pitch, Sven swore by him at Manchester City, Hughes was unconvinced, and the rest of the premier league let him saunter off to Turkey, well more fool them. Robinho looked dangerous in the first 60 minutes, he played some lovely touches, seemed to pop up all over the pitch and will have left City fans both disappointed and annoyed they never really got to see this player play as he can. Kaka looked slightly off the pace, but as the game wore on he started to catch up. Fabiano's second goal was delightfully finished but the handballs certainly helped and maybe take the shine of it a little.

Ivory Coast never really got going partly due to the superb Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva who shut everything down in the midfield and partly due to Sven's tactics which left Drogba alone up the pitch at times 35 yards from his nearest team mates. After the second goal on 50 minutes you'd think Ivory Coast would have really started to throw caution to the wind, but no, substitutions were all like for like and the highly influential Gervinho started on the bench. As many England fans will know adventure is not Sven's strong point, well not on the pitch anyhow, and it was too little too late when Drogba scored with 12 minutes to go. By that point they were 3 down and the contest was already over.

Brazil's 3rd goal scored by Elano was beautifully crafted and Elano ghosted in front of the defender who had gone too sleep to finish. We definitely saw the stirrings of the Brazilian football we all know and love, it was on the up and hopefully against Portugal we'll see more of the same. There were two downers for the Brazilian party, Elano going off injured and Kaka's ridiculous red card. Kaka will miss the last group game, but that may not be such a bad thing, the more time he has to get fit and allow his injuries to recover the better for him, Brazil and the tournament. And everyone knows the best strip is a Brazilian strip.