Brazil beat Ivory Coast, Kaka sent off

Brazil's Kaka was controversially sent off as Brazil eased to a 3-1 victory in their battle with Ivory Coast in the Group G match of the FIFA World Cup.

Kaka was cited by the referee for elbowing an Ivory Coast player.

Brazil has now qualified for the playoffs with Netherlands and Argentina.

Didier Drogba grabbed a late goal for the Elephants, but the game was marred by the late dismissal of Kaka for an off the ball foul.

It came too late, though, for the Elephants to respond as they slipped to defeat that leaves them with just a point in Group G, while Brazil now have six.

Chelsea forward Drogba, a second half substitute in the goalless draw against Portugal last week, was named in the starting line up, while Brazil were unchanged for the much anticipated encounter in Johannesburg.

The Elephants had three free kicks in dangerous positions on the right, but the quality of delivery was poor, including one from Drogba that flew over.

At the other end, Gilberto Silva smashed an Elano corner from 12 yards out into a defender after 19 minutes, before the deadlock was eventually broken by Luis Fabiano six minutes later.

Five minutes after the restart, the advantage was doubled by Luis Fabiano, who looked to have used his arm to control the ball in the build up.

After Kaka's close range effort was punched away by Barry, the Ivorian goalkeeper was helpless to stop Elano scoring the third for Brazil.

Meanwhile, New Zealand and Italy now both have chance to qualify for the playoffs from Group F after their match ended in a 1-all draw this morning.

It was a historic moment for Shane Smeltz who scored the opener for the All Whites.

The ball dipped over Alberto Gilardino and Leo Bertos and wrong footed Fabio Cannavaro, who could only divert it into the path of Smeltz.

The Gold Coast forward, gleefully accepted and poked past the goal keeper.

Italy managed to draw the game after they were awarded with a penalty.

In another game played last night, Paraguay defeated Slovakia 2-0 and also have a chance to qualify for the playoffs.

Looking at the games coming up, Portugal take on North Korea at 11.30 tonight, Chile play Switzerland at 2am tomorrow and Spain take on Honduras at 6.30am tomorrow.