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 foul on Kader Keita.

It came too late, though, for the Elephants to respond as they slipped to a 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 by coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, while Brazil were unchanged for the much-anticipated encounter in Johannesburg.

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 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.

When Emmanuel Eboue did manage to send over a decent set-piece from the left, Julio Cesar punched the ball away.

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.

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.

The goal initially deflated the Africans, but Aruna Dindane and then Eboue sparked some life back into their attack with decent long-range efforts before half-time.

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.

The former Portsmouth striker was immediately replaced by Yao Gervinho, but it was Brazil that continued to press.

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.

That goal came after 65 minutes and shortly afterwards Maicon sent a low 20-yard shot into the side-netting with Brazil well on top.

With nothing to lose, Eriksson threw on Ndri Romaric, who almost made an instant impact with his driving 20-yard shot only parried by Cesar.

Drogba finally made his mark in the 79th minute in a move inspired by 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.

Cheik Tiote forced Cesar to tip over a late effort but the game was decided by then.