LiveBlog: Brazil-Croatia

June 13th, 2006 | by: WC Bob | Comments(397)

The five-time World Cup champions played an even game against a solid Croatia team and earns a solid, yet uninspiring win. Check out the play-by-play below and feel free to leave your thoughts about the game.

Final: Brazil 1-0 Croatia

Full time Brazil comes away with a 1-0 win thanks to a great goal by Kaka in the 44th minute. Croatia played the defending champions even but Brazil earns the three points and is now tied with Australia atop the Group F table. Thanks for joining us for the game. We’ll be liveblogging from now until we go to the grave.

90:00 Tudor shown a yellow card for Croatia. Not much added time. This one looks like it is going to Brazil.

87:58 Krancjar with a header over the net. Croatia trying to come up with one last miracle. Brazil rolling it around and watching the seconds tick.

86:36 Ronaldinho seemed to enjoy that steaking action. Flares are being lit in the Croatia sections. Maybe Croatia should be allowed to play with 12 men. That streaker had some good speed.

85:09 Streaker on the pitch. He gets down and kisses Prso’s shoe. Well played streaker but you are spending the night in a German jail. That might have been the highlight of the game. he was fully clothed and painted face with croatia colors.

83:45 Great shot of the Croatia fans dancing and singing in the stands. Will they be able to will their team a goal late in this one?

82:03 Cafu still has wheels on the right side and earns a corner. It is flicked away without harm. A lot of people in Australia rooting for a Croatia goal right about now.

80:11 Brazil’s performance kind of reminding me of England’s. Enough to get a result but not especially impressive. The tournament is still early but hopefully the good teams will play like they are capable.

78:56 Robinho falls down lack a sack of potatoes. Jerko Leko is a bit of a hack.

77:45 Brazil looking happy with a 1-0 result. Croatia lacking desperation. Bob desperate for another beer.

75:56 Crowd in the stadium sounds restless. I can relate. This game hasn;t been that great but an exciting final 15 could change all that.

74:43 Every time Croatia is close to the Brazil goal I say “There it is” and it just hasn’t happened yet.

73:29 Adriano is indeed playing. Just not well.

72:20 Croatia with 20 minutes to get the equalizer. I’m out of beer so the game better pick up or I will be one unhappy Bob. Until the postgame parties kick off in Berlin. It is going to be happening here tonight. You guys and gals should stop on by.

71;04 Public service announcement: we’re liveblogging every game in this stinkin’ competition so please join us each and every day. You will be rewarded in the afterlife. That is a money back offer.

69:47 Babic with a direct shot on goal but right at Dida. Croatia needs to think about aiming for the corners. Good opportunities abound but they still trail by a goal.

68:53 Robinho comes in for Ronaldo who takes his beer keg belly to the bench. After a month in Germany I will look the same way.

67:12 Croatia with another close in opportunity but it is kicked away by Juan. The Croatia attack is getting about 97% of the job done but needs to find a way to finish.

65:47 Thanks to all of you who are tuning in from work. Let’s bring the world’s economy down one football match at a time!

64:24 Croatia with the corner and it is hopelessly off the mark. Did you know that FIFA made Croatia add more white to their uniform before the start of the tournament? Silly, but true.

63:09 Is Adriano even playing in this one? He has been a non factor. Ronaldo also hasn’t down much. Brazil’s chances coming from their pace on the wings.

61:45 Cafu sets up Ronaldinho who’s header is stopped by the Croatian keeper. Just like that Brazil is on the attack. Ronaldinho crosses himself and shows the need for dental work.

60:45 Brazil rolling it around like it is a practice session. Croatia walking around like it is a practice session. This game has lost pace fast. It is a good thing. I think my fingers are starting to bleed.

59:02 How would you rate the performance of Brazil up to now? I’d say B-. Probably would give Croatia about the same grade. Neither team really making it happen.

57:47 Klasnic off and Olic on for Croatia. Kaka dragged down outside the area and Brazil awarded a free kick. Jerko Leko the one who made the tackle. Jerko Leko. Can’t get enough of that. Ronaldinho takes the kick and it is headed just off.

55:43 Brazil lulls the Croatian defense asleep and Ronaldo crushes one over the bar. Just when you are ready to fall asleep they attacl.

54:14 Brazil looking to be asleep in the start of the second half. They seem content to roll it around and watch the clock tick off.

53:01 Klasnic with a pickle of a shot that Dida eats up on the ground. Croatia wisely firing away and trying to get it back.

51:17 That was a great save from the Brazil keeper. Prso really hit that one square but it is still Brazil up by a goal. Drinking a nice pilsner this half for those scoring at home.

50:21 Prso with a strong shot that tests Dida to the fullest. Wow that was close.

48:23 Brail hasn’t looked unstoppable in this match but they have been effective. Always kind of interesting to see how teams start a tournament. Whether they peak early or work their way into form.

46:23 For those wondering, and I know there are a lot of you out there, Bob is indeed my name. In Russian it translats to “green bean.” Not sure what it means in Croatian but given the crap I have gotten for not liking their kits it probably means “dead man”

45:01 The second half is underway. Can Croatia come back against the tournament favorites or will Brazil samba its way to three points? Gosh it is hard to type with that picture below hanging around.

Halftime entertainment: Brazil fans outside stadium earlier today. More photos to come after the match right here

Halftime Not the greatest half but an evenly played one. Brazil strikes in the final minute with a great goal from Kaka. I’m off the get more beer and to soak my fingers in ice. I’ll be back right before the start of the second half. Go ahead and leave your thoughts about the first half. Your comments are great.

45:00 Croatia played them even but a late first half goal gives Brazil a huge lift heading into the dressing room. With a blink of an eye Kaka hammered that shot. Can’t turn your back on Brazil for a second.

43:25 GOALLLLL. Kaka with a blast. Where did that comes from? He takes two dribbles and smacks it from outside the box with his left foot. Great shot.

42:02 Emerson booked for a bad foul in the midfield. Nothing more to say about it.

41:124 Ronaldinho playing hacky sack in the box. Anyone notice he isn’t smiling much today?

39:27 Cafu with a shot on goal and it is handled by the Croatia keeper. Read today that Cafu is in trouble with the law for getting an Italian passport illegally. Kovac out for Croatia and Jerko Leko comes in. One of my favorite names in the World Cup. Say it with me: Jerko Leko.

38:02 Croatia with a free kick from the left side of the field outside the area and it is almost redirected in by Tudor and/or Kovac.

36:57 Emerson with a shot that sails high over the bar. Emerson looks like my third grade physical education teacher. None of that matters to you, but if he is reading this blog I’d like to say hi to Mr. Benz.

35:02 Niko Kovac down again for Croatia. He has something wrong with his midsection. Don’t we all. He gets up gingerly. Looks like a rib but I am not a doctor. I only play one on the Internet.

34:00 Neither team controlling the match. Croatia has held its own thus far and Brazil does not appear to be on top form. This one is going to be interesting.

32:56 Yellow card for Niko Kovac tripping Kaka. Kind of a weak yellow if you ask me. Ronaldinho over the ball just outside the Croatia area. Drilled into the wall.

31:57 Your Berlin weather forecast: It is about 90 F/30 C give or take a few. I’m sweating my balls off. Apologies for my language.

30:23 Adriano drags down a Croatia player, kind of. Wouldn’t have noticed Adriano was even playing out there until that one. Kovac down on the ground. We might need to amputate something. He’ll live.

27:46 Klasnic and Prso causing problems for Brazil on the left side. If I were Croatia’s coach I would tell them to keep it up. I’d also be a much better dressed man. He is looking swell on the sideline.

26:56 Klasnic (the Croatian player, not the pickle) fires it over the crossbar. Corner kick to Croatia an it is cleared away.

25:16 Neither team looking especially sharpe but it is still early. The expectations for Brazil to play a beautiful game are always great.

24:16 Ronaldinho even sweats in a cool way. Man I am jealous of that cat.

22:34 Nike Krancjar with the shot. His father on the sideline looks very well dressed tonight. He is much more stylish than that Togo coach. How could you wear jeans in 90 degree heat at the World Cup?

21:45 Game starting to bog down a bit in the midfield. Can we watch a Nike commercial with Brazil instead?

20:15 Lucio is probably the player I know the least on Brazil’s roster. He wins that award tonight. Congratulations to Lucio, Mr. Lucio and Mrs. Lucio.

19:24 Croatian cross is knocked out by Roberto Carlos and there is a corner. Headed away without a threat. Brazil has had the better run of play but hasn’t been able to crack the board yet.

17:45 Referee letting both teams play but it hasn’t been physical yet. I’m surprised Croatia isn’t knocking Brazil around a little more.

16:18 Croatia defense looking a bit vulnerable but Ronaldo isn’t moving well out there. This might be a night when Adriano or Kaka have to come through. What a luxury Brazil has.

15:15 Roberto Carlos might spend all night firing away over the goal. For an older player the bald one still got game.

14:07 Roberto Carlos with a bomb and the Croatian keeper is forced to knock it over the bar. Ronaldinho follows up with a shot that requires another save. A couple of close calls there.

13:46 Someone needs to lend Prso a vowell for his last name. He is a talented player even with his last name limitations. Keep an eye out for him. #9 for Croatia.

12:14 Both teams playing lots of men behind the ball and don’t want to give up the advantage near the box. Hopefully Brazil will open ip the pace a bit or I might need to get another beer. That France match was a stinker, eh?

11:02 The Croatian kits make me feel dizzy. They are starting to grow on me. I think I’ll head to a pizza shop after the match.

9:57 Ronaldinho tries to connect long with Ronaldo but it is well off the mark. A bit of a slow start to the game as both teams work out the nerves.

8:23 Kaka gets a pass in the middle of the field and hammers it high and wide over the bar. Still no score.

7:55 Both teams feeling each other out a bit. Croatia showing no fear against the tournament favorites. They earn a corner kick and Dida skies up to grab it.

6:14 Every other player on Croatia is named Kovac. That is convenient when you LiveBlog.

5:12 Croatia defense a bit too quick with the pass. Can’t afford to turn the ball over as much against this Brazil quartet up front. Wouldn’t want to be the Croatia keeper tonight. Actually, I would, but I suck in net.

4:05 Croatia attacks down the left side and gets a shot off but it is well off the mark. Croatia is going to try to attack this Brazil defense and see if it is vulnerable to speed.

3:03 Brazil getting the samba into play early with Ronaldinho dancing around like a ballerina. What a joy to watch.

2:17 Ronaldo knocked to the turf and a tremor is felt in Berlin. He is packing some weight. I bet he plays well though.

1:35 Corner kick to Brazil. Ronaldinho lines up to take it. His shirt is untucked and it is a kick that sails wide. No threat.

:29 Brazil hasn’t scored yet. They’re overrated. Just kidding.

Kickoff We are underway in Berlin with the defending champions Brazil taking on the third place finishers from 1998 Croatia. Berlin is rocking. Thanks for joining in and for leaving your comments during the match. For those scoring at home I am enjoying a cold pilsner right now. My apologies to those of you who are working and unable to imbibe too.

Pregame

3 minute countdown: Excellent turnout by the fans of both countries. Truly winners in the stands. Let’s hope this game lives up to expectations.

4 minute countdown: It is Croatia’s turn to sing. Again, a quality tune. This game is going to be a good one if you are basing it on national anthems alone.

6 minute countdown: The players are led out onto the pitch. The Brazil anthem is played. The players sing with full voice. Quality anthem by the tournament holders.

8 minute countdown: The teams are lined up in the tunnel. Brazil wearing its yellow kits and Croatia in the red and white checkers. You might want to adjust your television sets accordingly.

9 minute countdown: Beckenbauer is in the stands and sitting next to the German Prime Minister. Will the Kaiser samba?

1o minute countdown: After a pair of lackluster games today this one holds a lot of promise. Will Brazil start the tournament on a high note or will Croatia serve notice that they are a team to reckon with in this competition? Can’t wait for this one to start.

15 minute countdown: That Ronaldinho as a young boy commercial is brilliant.

18 minute countdown: Olympic Stadium in Berlin will be the perfect backdrop for this game. Looks like an absolutely splendid stadium for the final on July 9.

20 minute countdown: I really enjoy how the German television introduces each team and its country before the game. They do a nice job detailing the key players but also telling the audience about the various countries. If you have never been to Croatia I recommend a trip there is you can swing it. A very pretty country with a lot to see and do. Some day I hope to make it to Brazil. Maybe for the 2014 World Cup.

30 minute countdown: Berlin stadium looks to be full and rocking. There will be no shadow in this one with the sun setting on the city. They are showing Ronaldo warming up in a tank top and he certainly has a prominent belly.

40 minute countdown: I managed to avoid liveblogging the day’s two earlier games so I’m feeling fresh and ready to go. Berlin has been invaded by Brazil and Croatia fans. The excitement is in the air. Let’s hope that both teams display their best football

This one should be a dandy. Who do you think is going to win?