Brazil grind out win
Brazil grind out win
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Italian football is in a state of total bewilderment after the cataclysmic last few weeks. |  |
Tuesday, 13, Jun 2006 10:13
Brazil were outplayed for long spells by Croatia but they managed a laboured 1-0 win in the second game in Group F.
Brilliant AC Milan midfielder Kaka curled in a goal worthy of winning any game just before the interval and a spirited Croatian side were not able to fight their way back into the match.
Brazil were operating at half pace throughout the match and one or two players, the hefty Ronaldo included, rarely broke into a jog.
Croatia on the other hand were all over the place. At times it took four or five men to halt Ronaldinho.
But Dado Prso lead the line superbly and the Brazilians were not allowed to settle on the ball. The first half saw Igor Tudor come within inches of reaching a vicious free-kick as the Brazilian defence looked shaky.
With the interval approaching Kaka conjured a moment of magic and the reigning world champions went in a goal up.
The ball broke to him 25 yards out and he waltzed past the two men in front of him before unleashing a whipped effort into the top corner with his weaker left foot.
The second half saw even more Croatian pressure as Prso twice went close and Dida had to save from Ivan Klasnic.
The Croatian keeper made just one save in the second period after Ronaldinho met Cafu's cross with a powerful header. Stipe Pletikosa did well to palm it clear.
Brazil perked up a little once Robinho had replaced Ronaldo but the tournament favourites never extended themselves.