Kaka was controversially sent off as a brace from Luis Fabiano and an Elano strike helped Brazil ease to a 3-1 victory in their battle with Ivory Coast at Soccer City.
Didier Drogba grabbed a late goal for the Elephants, but the game was marred by the late dismissal of Kaka for an off the-the-ball collision with Kader Keita.
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.
The South Americans had a chance inside the opening 60 seconds when a quick break through the middle ended with Robinho sending a dipping shot narrowly over Boubacar Barry's goal from 30 yards.
The deadlock was eventually broken by Luis Fabiano after 25 minutes. Robinho and Kaka were heavily involved in the build-up with the Real Madrid midfielder threading a neat final pass to the striker to blast home from six yards out on the right.
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. The initial problem was created when Siaka Tiene allowed the ball to bounce, letting the striker take charge and beat two defenders, before volleying home.
Drogba should have grabbed a goal straight back for his side, but could only head Dindane's cross wide.
After Kaka's close-range effort was punched away by Barry, the Ivorian goalkeeper was helpless to stop Elano scoring a third - the Madrid midfielder providing a telling low pass from the right that was guided in by Elano at the far post.
Drogba finally made his mark in the 79th minute in a move inspired by Yao Gervinho. The Lille striker ran almost the length of the pitch and then, after being stopped in his tracks, pulled the ball back to Yaya Toure to lift over a good cross for the Chelsea forward to head home.
The game got slightly scrappy late on and Kaka received his marching orders after being shown a second yellow card, with replays suggesting the former AC Milan man was hard done by.
Source: PA
