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Brazil beat Cote d'Ivoire but Kaka sent off

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-06-21 09:12

Referee Stephane Lannoy of France shows the red card to Brazil's Kaka during a 2010 World Cup Group G soccer match against Cote d'Ivoire at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 20, 2010. [Agencies]

JOHANNESBURG - Brazil showed their true World Cup colours on Sunday, turning on the turbo to beat Cote d'Ivoire 3-1 in Group G with two goals from Luis Fabiano securing their place in the last 16.

But Brazil's delight was curtailed when midfielder Kaka was controversially sent off for a second yellow card two minutes from time.

Their first three shots on target produced three goals - the first two from Luis Fabiano after 25 and 50 minutes - although there was a suspicion of handball about his second goal - and the third from Elano after 62 minutes.

Cote d'Ivoire skipper Didier Drogba headed his team's goal after 79 minutes as coach Dunga's men largely outclassed the Africans for their 18th win in their last 20 internationals.

Brazil secured their place in the last 16 no matter what happens in Monday's clash between Portugal and Korea DPR in Cape Town and played well within themselves as they brushed aside the Ivorians.

An otherwise poor first half only came to life when Luis Fabiano lashed the ball high into the roof of the net past goalkeeper Boubacar Barry.

A smart backheel and a fortunate one-two with Kaka led to the goal while Luis Fabiano showed some nice individual skill, and got the benefit of two dubious handballs for his second 25 minutes later.

"The first goal Brazil scored was very good," Cote d'Ivoire coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said after the game.

Eriksson was, however, less happy about Fabiano's second.

"We were unlucky there and the referee didn't see that (the handballs). It shouldn't have been allowed," he added.

Fabiano's double ended a lean spell for the Brazilian.

"(Coach) Dunga always talks to me and gave me confidence. It was very important the confidence everybody showed in me," the striker said.

Elano, who scored in their opening 2-1 win over Korea DPR made it 3-0 eight minutes later after Kaka crossed from the left leaving Elano with a simple tap-in from close range.

Elano was stretchered off shortly afterwards with a shin injury and the Cote d'Ivoire rallied towards the end of the game and have several chances to narrow the deficit.