Brazil Vs Croatia - World Cup Special

The reigning champions who rarely flatter to deceive were definitely not in top gear however a goal from Kaka was enough to give them the three points and push them on their way to what they hope will be their sixth success.

Brazil started with the famous quartet of Adriano, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka upfront with Juan along side Lucio in defense. For Croatia they began with a wingback system which did well to stifle to the play of the Brazilians, their main attacking threat was Ranges Dado Prso who worked hard but received little joy against the tough tackling centre backs of Brazil.

As expected much early possession was owned by the Brazilians and despite being out numbered in midfield by the Croatian's the movement of the four attacking players was creating space all over the pitch. As usual Carlos and Cafu roamed down the flanks to give options and it was the left full back Carlos who had the best chances earlier on.

With Ronaldinho operating from his left flank Roberto Carlos was able to get up and join in plenty and laid off by Ronaldo he stung the goalkeepers palms from forty yards with his first effort before connecting with a corner from Ronaldinho from the edge of the area, this time his shot was slightly too high but a warning as to his intentions for the evening.

At the other end Croatia created very little though were given chances on set pieces against a disorganized Brazilian defense on some occasions. Kovac was inches from connecting with a free kick in the first instance and on the second Prso shot straight at the keeper after a poor clearance from Lucio.

Ronaldo and Adriano were struggling to get into the game and looked largely immobile up front; the much maligned Madrid striker failed to make any impact at all and was lucky to not be substituted after contributing little or nothing to the Brazilians play. Indeed the goal scorer himself Kaka looked the likeliest to score as Ronaldinho despite his best efforts and the usual tricks could not find his final ball for much of the first half.

Croatia hoped to hold out to half time but after an excellent first touch from a ball played by Cafu he bent a shot with his left instep round the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

Finally some Brazil magic and a stark reminder of what the South American's can do at the drop of a hat.

The second half largely began with Brazil on the offense from moment one. A slightly sprightlier Ronaldo hit a shot just over the bar before Kaka did the same from a similar angle. With Kovac off in the middle of the park from Croatia they struggled to keep hold of the ball and were often caught because of the pressure from the Brazilians.

The gold shirted players however appeared to cruise past the post as the rest of the half was dominated by Croatia. Despite bring on Robinho for the dismal Ronaldo Brazil found themselves defending attack after attack from red and white shirts.

First Prso drove a shot over the bar before several corners led to a good block from Dida after a deflected shot. A tangle on the edge of the box led to a shot by Leko who had sprung forward though once more his shot was straight at the keeper. No matter how hard they tried to counter Brazil were wasteful in possession but were not made to pay because of bad finishing and at times to excellent defending.

Clinging on for their eighth consecutive victory at World Cup finals Brazil rejoiced but realized that they will not have it all their own way at this tournament.