WC2006: Brazil beat Croatia 1-0

Written by , 18.06 20h27

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Brazil picked up maximum points but failed to perform to their full potential against a tough Croatian team.

A capacity 72,000 supporters braved the humidity to watch Brazil take on a Croatian side that has not lost a game in 4 years.

But it was a frustrating first half for Brazil. Until Kaka scored a stunning goal (44thmin) from the edge of the area with his left-foot after picking up the ball from Cafu. Stipe Pletikosa was given no chance in the Croatia goal.

Whilst Kaka excelled, Ronaldo looked a shadow of his usual self, failing to move freely and not looking fit, before been replaced by Robinho in the 70th minute.

But it’s the result that counts and three points is exactly the start that Carlos Alberto Parreria wanted. The game was Brazil 8th successive World Cup finals win, a new record to add the reigning champion’s stats. Brazil's next game is against group leaders Australia on Sunday.

Teams:
Brazil: Dida, Cafu, Lucio, Juan, Carlos, Ze Roberto, Emerson, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Adriano, Ronaldo. Subs: Cicinho, Cris, Fred, Gilberto, Julio Cesar, Juninho, Luisao, Mineiro, Ricardinho, Robinho, Rogerio, Silva.

Croatia: Pletikosa, Simunic, Robert Kovac, Tudor, Simic, Srna, Babic, Nico Kovac, Kranjcar, Prso, Klasnic. Subs: Balaban, Bosnjak, Butina, Didulica, Ivan Leko, Jerko Leko, Modric, Olic, Seric, Tokic, Tomas, Vranjes.

Referee: Benito Archundia Tellez (Mexico)

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