Kaka scores in Brazil's 1-0 victory over Croatia

Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title is off to a raucous start.

Kaka delighted the Brazilian fans who have sambaed their way to Germany, scoring in the 44th minute, and the defending champions won a record eighth straight World Cup game, beating Croatia 1-0 on Tuesday night.

But the Croats gave the Brazilians more of a game than most expected. They had several chances in the second half, including a shot by Dado Prso in the 51st minute that went off goalkeeper Dida's hands.

And if captain Niko Kovac hadn't left with what appeared to be a rib injury just before halftime, the outcome might have been very different.

Croatia now plays Japan on Sunday, a game it needs to win after Australia's surprising victory on Monday. Brazil plays the Aussies on Sunday.



The Brazilians are soccer's royalty, and this game had all the feelings of a final. Flashbulbs were popping all night, and there was a Carnival atmosphere at Olympic Stadium.

A fan in a Croatia shirt even got on the field with less than 10 minutes to go, running around until Prso led him off.

And just as they usually do on soccer's biggest stage, Brazil came through when it needed to.

Dribbling up the right side in the 44th minute, Cafu spotted Kaka in the middle and made a perfect pass. Kaka collected it and was past Niko Krancjar with one quick tap of the ball.

It was the first World Cup goal for Kaka, voted best midfielder in the Champions League in 2005.

posted by nscafuro @ 3:00 PM