World Cup 2010 - Brazil push Cote d'Ivoire to the brink

City's own Kolo Toure and Robinho went head to head in Group G yesterday evening and it was Robinho who emerged victorious in Brazil's 3-1 victory over Cote d'Ivoire, a result that clinched the Selecao a spot in the last sixteen.

Brazil were largely untroubled throughout the game, being the more dominant side in terms of possession (Behind the net also has a look at the passing statistics in this post) and created the better opportunities.

Robinho was again effective, if not reaching the levels he showed in the opening game against North Korea but the indications are that he is set to have a good tournament. Toure meanwhile acquitted himself well, although he will rue the slip that allowed Luis Fabiano the chance to get his shot away for Brazil's second of the game.

With Portugal getting a huge win over North Korea this afternoon, it leaves Cote d'Ivoire in a huge hole in terms of qualification. They will now need a Brazilian victory over Portugal in the final game, whilst they will not only have to beat North Korea - who, despite two losses have looked a capable enough side at times - but also overturn a goal differential of nine to avoid joining what looks to be a big group of African nations exiting the competition at the group stages.