Brazil FanZoner Brett Mendoza is full of praise for Luis Fabiano and full of sympathy for the red-carded Kaka.
Samba boys showcased typical magic against Ivory Coast
Finally the World Cup produced want the people wanted - Brazil to take apart their opposition and entertain the masses. I think the famous TV advert called it 'Joga Bonito' - to play beautifully.
I predicted that the Brazil v Ivory Coast clash would be a cagey affair in the last blog, but it certainly wasn't. I had survived the London to Brighton bike ride and settled down in the pub garden to watch the first half of the game. Brazil were intent on attacking from the start and within the first minute Robinho had smashed one over the bar. It was a sign of things to come, and Brazil began to put on the show the adoring public wanted to see.
Brazil scored three great goals, the second from Luis Fabiano being the best. It reminded me of when I was at Victoria Park seeing Bas Savage score against Hartlepool in 2008.
Without actually having it under control, but having it totally under control using his feet, thighs, arms, hands and chest, Fabiano lifted the ball past three Ivorian defenders, before calmly slotting home his second goal of the game. It was a spark of the old Samba magic that has graced the great Brazilian sides of the past.
Ugly
Despite three great Brazilian goals, it was the ugly part of the beautiful game which sticks in my mind more. The religious Kaka, who didn't have the Gods looking down on him, became the unwanted centre of attention during an otherwise tremendous game.
After an innocuous challenge by Kader Keita, Kaka appeared to push the back of his arm into Keita's chest. Keita, with the worst acting since Mariah Carey starred in "Glitter", for some reason decided to clutch his eyebrow and roll around on the floor. The referee fell for it hook, line and sinker and Kaka received his marching orders.
Unfortunately it means Kaka will miss the mouth-watering tie against Portugal. Dunga, who went mental on the touchline during the whole saga, escaped punishment from FIFA, so he will be allowed in the dugout once more.
Attacking classic
So next up is Portugal. The winner of the game will finish top of the group and potential play Spain, Chile or Switzerland in the second round. Portugal steamrollered North Korea, who gave Brazil a run for their money, so everything points towards an attacking classic when they clash in Durban.
I just hope the commentators realise that Portugal have 10 other players on the pitch that aren't Cristiano Ronaldo. The over-the-top praise for him during the Korea game was cringe-worthy. Less of that please!
The game has the potential to finish 5-4 to either team, but I wouldn't be surprised at it ending 0-0. This result would ensure both teams go through, and neither team may want to win the game, as it would mean winning the group and worse still, could mean taking on the might of European champions Spain in the next round!
All going well, Brazil and England are on course to meet head to head in the final on July 11. The question is - where will Brazil fit the sixth star on their shirt should they win the final?
What did you make of Kaka's sending off? Are Brazil are the odds-on favourites to win the World Cup? Is Luis Fabiano really that good? Send us your answers via the feedback form below
