Brazil crush Ivorian dreams

     

Brazil dented more African hopes in the World Cup on Sunday by outclassing Ivory Coast to sweep into the second round.

Five-times champions Brazil beat Ivory Coast 3-1 in Group G with two goals from Luis Fabiano securing their place in the last 16.

Brazil's 3-1 victory over one of the stronger African sides in a bad tempered game confirmed Latin American supremacy after Paraguay earlier beat Slovakia.

There was a strong suspicion of handball in the second of two goals by Luis Fabiano and Kaka was controversially sent off just before the whistle for a second yellow card, but Brazil never looked in danger despite a late goal from Didier Drogba.

Image: Brazil's Kaka (centre) argues with Ivory Coast's Romaric (right) as Felipe Melo tries to seperate the two
Photographs: Reuters