Brazil leads Ivory Coast 1-0 at halftime at Soccer City in Group G of World Cup

Brazil leads Ivory Coast 1-0 at halftime

JOHANNESBURG — Brazil held a 1-0 lead over Ivory Coast at halftime of their World Cup match at Soccer City.

Luis Fabiano put the five-time champions in front in the 25th minute, getting a through ball from Kaka and sending a hard shot past goalkeeper Boubacar Barry from short range.

Brazil striker Robinho had two attempts before Luis Fabiano’s goal, but both were well off the target.

Ivory Coast controlled much of the early possession, but Brazil soon took over as striker Didier Drogba struggled to get involved in the play for Les Elephants.

Drogba was playing in his second match since breaking his right arm in a warmup match on June 4. He came on as a late substitute in Ivory Coast’s 0-0 draw with Portugal on Tuesday.