Budweiser Man of the Match: KAKA (BRA)

13 June 2006

Brazil midfielder Kaka edged out several other worthy candidates for the Budweiser Man of the Match honours as the world champions opened their Germany 2006 campaign with a 1-0 win over Croatia.

Kaka's dangerous dribbling and passing were on display throughout the 90 minutes, but it was his 44th-minute curling strike past Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa that separated him from the other impressive players on the pitch.

"It was really hard to choose the Budweiser Man of the Match because it was an even game," said FIFA Technical Study Group member Jozef Venglos. "Both teams played tactically very well, but Kaka got the decisive touch of the match.

"In the first half, Ronaldinho also played well. The Croatians put up a good fight, pushing the Brazilians in the second half. Igor Tudor also did very well, but the game was decided by Kaka."