Brazil defeats Ivory Coast

Kyle- Earlier this afternoon, we watched Brazil defeat Ivory Coast 3-1 to improve 2-0 in group play. We watched the game in a small town in Florianapolis, Brazil. The scene in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was definitely much bigger. Before the game started, a shot of thousands of people gathered to watch the game in Rio appeared on the television screen. We watched it in a smaller town, but passion for their team was the same. People packed the bars hours before the game wearing their Brazilian t-shirts and jerseys.The bars had big Brazilian flags on them and most cars also had flags hanging out the windows. The fans also demonstrated their high expectations for their team (That has won more World Cups than any other country) when they yelled at the television any time Brazil crossed midfield and didn't score a goal. Brazil won 3-1, and some of the fans seemed disappointed that they did not earn a shutout. The bar got very silent when Ivory Coast scored a goal as people looked on in disbelief. Brazil dominated this game from the beginning and never looked back after #9 Luis Fabiano gave them a 1-0 lead scoring the goal midway through the first half. Fabiano added another goal in the second half and Ivory Coast never recovered. One huge story in this game was the physical play in the second half. Several yellow cards were handed out, and Brazil's star #10 Kaka received a red card after getting his second yellow card late in the second half and will serve a one game suspension. Brazil's team is very strong, but the fans expect nothing less than World Cup championship #6.

Danny - We are leaving Florianoplis this morning to get to our resting point (Guarapuava) as we drive west to the Paraguay-Brazil border and on to the Iguazu Falls. We will post from either Guarapuava or Foz Do Iguazu. Next match - Paraguay New Zealand on Thursday with some must watch games on the way. But Ciao Floripa for now!