Kaká delighted the Brazilian fans who have danced the samba all the way to Germany, scoring in the 44th minute, and defending champion Brazil won a record eighth straight World Cup game, beating Croatia 1-0 in Berlin yesterday.
But the Croats gave the Brazilians more of a game than most expected. They had several chances in the second half, including a shot by Dado Prso in the 51st minute that went off goalkeeper Dida's hands.
And if captain Niko Kovac hadn't left with what appeared to be a rib injury just before halftime, the outcome might have been different.
Croatia next plays Japan on Sunday, a game it needs to win after Australia's surprising victory on Monday. Brazil plays the Aussies on Sunday.
The Brazilians are soccer's royalty, and this game had all the feelings of a final. Flashbulbs were popping all night, and there was a festive atmosphere at Olympic Stadium.
Dribbling up the right side in the 44th minute, Cafu spotted Kaká in the middle and made a perfect pass. Kaká collected it and was past Niko Kranjcar with one quick tap of the ball.
The 21-year-old son of coach Zlatko Kranjcar has been a concern defensively, and it was soon clear why. Kranjcar wasn't anywhere close as Kaká stutter-stepped, giving the Brazilian time to look up and check his aim. As Kranjcar closed in, Kaká drew back from 20 yards and struck hard with his left foot for his first World Cup goal.
France 0, Switzerland 0
The French, aiming to avoid a repeat of their first-round exit four years ago, were held to a scoreless tie by Switzerland.
France hasn't scored since Emmanuel Petit's 90th-minute strike sealed a 3-0 victory against Brazil in the 1998 final.
