Kaka: Man of the Match

Brazil defeated European challengers Croatia 1-0 in an enthralling Group F encounter in Berlin on Tuesday, 13 June 2006.
The current holders of the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and their legions of colourful fans provided entertainment both on and off the pitch but they were made to work hard for their victory by a well-organised Croatia side.

After both sides enjoyed a series of half-chances, the goal which proved to be decisive was of the highest order. A minute before the interval, AC Milan midfielder Kaka curled a left-footed shot past Stipe Pletikosa and into the top left-hand corner of the net.
The win gave Brazil their eighth consecutive success in FIFA World Cup™ matches, a new record, and how fitting that it was delivered by the wearer of the Seleção's No.8 shirt.

The match:

1' The Olympic Stadium in Berlin has seen some momentous occasions and again the atmosphere crackled as the world champions took centre stage.
3': Ronaldinho danced his way through three challenges and linked up with Adriano, Ze Roberto and Roberto Carlos but a strong Croatian rearguard refused to be dazed and stood firm.
14': The trademark patient, mesmerising ball play from Brazil was not making a mark on the Croatians, until Roberto Carlos unleashed a drive from distance which forced Stipe Pletikosa into his first save, the goalkeeper palming the ball over the bar.
15': Another save from Pletikosa came a minute later as he dived full length to his left to tip away a low shot from Ronaldinho.
21': Croatia were not in the game just to make up the numbers and captain Niko Kovac thought he had found a way through only to be denied by a timely challenge from Lucio. Less than a minute later Niko Kranjcar found space to shoot, but dragged his effort wide from some 20 metres.
27': Back they came and a low strike from Kranjcar was deflected off Lucio for a corner.

38': Some minutes after Ronaldinho had fired a free-kick into the wall, a dead-ball opportunity at the other end almost brought the opening goal, but Igor Tudor was inches short of making contact with Darijo Srna's delivery.
43': The opening goal was worth the wait as Kaka steadied himself just outside the Croatian penalty area and placed an unstoppable shot out of the reach of Pletikosa. (1-0)

Croatia push forward

50': There was an early scare for Brazil in the second half as Dado Prso burst clear on the left-hand side of the penalty area and shot for goal but Dida blocked and Roberto Carlos tidied up.
53': Dida was back in action quickly, going down well to a sharp snapshot from the edge of the box from Ivan Klasnic.
56': Ronaldo was having a quiet night but served a reminder of his threat as he sent a shot narrowly over. That effort was by and large against the run of play as Croatia, despite having lost captain Niko Kovac to injury just before the break, continued to push forward.
62': Brazil displayed their ability to turn a game in a flash as from a Kaka cross Ronaldinho missed a great chance to add a second, Pletikosa producing smart save to parry his close-range header.
68': Twice in as many minutes Croatia almost drew level. With Croatia finding gaps in Brazil's defence, Dida saved from Klasnic soon after Prso had seen a close-range effort turned behind for a corner.
74': In what was becoming a very open game, Kaka whistled a shot low through a crowded box and just wide.
88': With Croatia's supporters providing a cacophony of noise in the closing stages, they nearly had even more to shout about as Prso crossed for Kranjcar, but the Hadjuk Split midfielder seemed to lack conviction as he headed over the crossbar.

In conclusion:

A winning start for the Seleção, but they were made to fight every inch of the way by a spirited Croatian side who ensured that while Brazil functioned smoothly in parts, they were unable to relax until the final whistle.