Brazil vs Croatia

by Golden Goal | June 13, 2006 at 08:32 am

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BERLIN, Jun 12 (SW) - Five-time and defending champions Brazil begin their quest for another world title on Tuesday when they face Croatia in their Group F opener on Tuesday night at Olympiastadion.

Golden Goal reporting:

The World Cup is set for its first 9-5 work week of the tournament.
Over the weekend, England met Paraguay for the opening match on Saturday in

Frankfurt's, Commerzbank Arena. Host team, Germany, opened the

tournament in Munich (the capital of Bavaria) against Costa Rica. On

Friday, the host team, Germany won 4-2 over Costa Rica... While Ecuador defeated Poland 2-0.

Then on Saturday England defeated Paraguay 1-0 without actually scoring a goal.

Sweden was not only tested, but the favorites had their hands full with
Trinidad & Tobago. The game ended in a stalemate 0-0 tie..

And in the late game of the day Argentina did a bit of a flop, but beat a tough Ivory Coast team 2-1...

Sunday was witness to some perhaps suprising scores. In the early game the Netherlands beat a talented Serbian team by inches 1-0.

While Mexico vs. Iran proved to be a little more action packed. Mexico pulled

away from Iran in the second half of their match and remained perfect

towards their run in the finals with a 3-1 win over a solid Iranian

team.

And in the final game the always talented Portuguese team showed their muscle early with a lightning quick goal in the opening minutes. But this turned out to be the only points for the rest of the day as Angola helped to slow the crowd favorite but they could not capitalize in any way resulting in a Portuguese win. Portugal earns a point toward the next round and moves on with a 1-0 win over Angola...

In Monday's early game Australia was down 1-0 in the second half,

but scorched Japan with three goals in six minutes to win a big match 3

-1.

In the second match it was a very good showing for the Czech Republic as they proved that they are the team to beat in this group, leaving the Americans with an uphill battle for the rest of this round an dbeating them 3-0...

The
final game of the day was suprisingly a bit of a track meet for two
teams known for their defense, as Italy ran away with a 2-0 victory in
their World Cup debut...

Tuesday starts as South Korea comes back in the second half,
after Togo is hit with a red card, losing their captain, an extra man,
and the match 2-1.

France was off-target in their opening match against Switzerland. The match ended with an unsatisfying stalemate: 0-0.

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Let the fun begin. Brazil/Croatia!

The hotly anticipated opening match of Brazil starts in a few minutes. Can Croatia beat the almost undefeated World Champion?

This is the first match to take place in Berlin's Olympiastadium. The fans in the stadium are excited to see their favorite team play. The noise is ear-splitting.

The national trainer of Croatia has tears in his eyes as his country's national anthem reverberates around the stadium.

12.00 Kick off!!!

Brazil is looking strong. Croatia's defense is able to fend off Brazil's attacks so far.

12.08

Croatia's has it's first chance to score. But they miss the goal.

Brazil dominates the game. But Croatia continues to make promising attacks.

12.15

Roberto Carlos (#6) had two amazing shots at the goal and almost scored.

12.17

Corner for Croatia... missed...

12.25

Another corner for Croatia ... missed again ...

Everyone is waiting for a goal ... the big question is: who will score first? Although Brazil appears to be the stronger team, Croatia's offense is able to come dangerously close to the Brazilian goal ...

Adraino (#7) apparently fouled Kovac (#10). However, Kovac is back on the field.

12.37

First yellow card for Kovac (#10). He fouled a Brazilian player. Freekick for Brazil. Ronaldinho's shot got blocked by the Croatians.

12.38

Kovac is down again. He walks off the field.

Brazil had 7 shots so far, whereas Croatia had 2.

Foul by Emerson. Free Kick for Croatia. Oh my god!! That was close!!!

12.40

J. Leko (#16) replaces Kovac (#10).

12.42

Yellow card for Emerson!!

12.44

Goal!!! Goal!!!

The first Brazilian goal in the World Cup 2006. Kaka (#8) scored with a wonderful shot!!!

Brazil 1 - Croatia 0

The Brazilian fans are dancing and cheering!

The first half of the match is over.

Brazil appears to be in top form. However, Croatia has shown that they are not an easy opponent. They had some changes to score and their defense was able to defend the numerous Brazilian attacks until Kaka scored shortly before the half time.

We are back in the second half.

Croatia is in possession of the ball ... and loses it ...

1: 15

Croatia almost scored, but the Brazilian goalie was able to stop the ball.

1: 17

The game is energized. Ball possession changes quick and both teams are energetically fighting to score.

Again!! Klasnic (#17) almost scored. Croatia is pushing the game!!

Croatian fans are cheering.

1: 21

Ronaldo almost scored. What a beautiful kick!!!

Substitution for Klasnic. Olic enters the match.

1: 23

Free kick for Brazil after Kaka got fouled. But Brazil missed their chance ...

1: 26

This is an exciting game. Both teams keep attacking and come dangerously close to their opponents' goal. It could be only a matter of time until the next goal ...

1: 29

The crowd is energized ...

1: 30

Corner for Croatia ... far off ...

1: 31

Yellow card for Kovac (#4) ... the ball is turned over to Brazil

1: 33

The Croatian goalie is able to defend another Brazilian attack ...

1: 34

Ronaldo is replaced by Robinho ...

1: 37

Kaka almost scored a second goal ...

1: 40

Croatia is attacking again .. but the Brazilian defense takes hold off the ball ...

1: 41

The Brazilian team is launching yet another creative attack ... but Croatia's defense is able to defend it ...

1: 44

Free Kick for Brazil!!! A dangerous position in order to score ... but Croatia is able to defend their goal sucessfully once more ...

10 minutes remaining ... Will there be another goal???

1: 50

Croatian fans are cheering for their team ... they cheer as if they would be winning ...

A Croatian fan runs on to the pitch ... the game is stopping ...

1: 53

The match goes on ...

1: 55

3 minutes official game time left ...

2 minutes additional time ...

Brazil attacks ... Croatia wins back the ball ... Croatia is setting up to score ... but then Ronaldinsho fouls a Croatian player... Free Kick for Croatia ... their last chances to score ... and ... missed

The game is over:

Brazil 1 - Croatia 0

Although Croatia lost they showed that thy are a very good team and future oponents have to take them seriously ...

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