Brazil showed their true World Cup colours on Sunday, turning on the turbo to beat Côte 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.
Côte 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 North Korea 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 back-heel 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.
Elano, who scored in their opening 2-1 win over North Korea 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 Côte d’Ivoire rallied towards the end of the game and have several chances to narrow the deficit. – Reuters