Kaka says: "Red card may help him regain form at World Cup 2010"

Kaka will miss the final Group G match against Portugal on Friday. Brazil has already secured its place in the next round.

"I have to look at the positive side," Kaka said. "I'll use this time to continue working on my physical fitness. It's going to be important to get myself ready and return in top form for the next round."

Kaka was sent off in the 88th minute at Soccer City after Ivory Coast's Kader Keita ran into him while going for the ball.

Kaka dropped his elbow to protect himself as Keita moved in. The Ivory Coast player reacted as if being hit on the face, and the referee gave a second yellow card for Kaka to be sent off for the first time with the national team.

"I'm not going to talk about the sending off," Kaka said after the match. "The images tell it all. I hope FIFA looks into this."
"The red card was completely unfair," Brazil coach Dunga said.

FIFA said it had not received any official complaints from Brazil.

Ivory Coast also would have good reason to complain about the refereeing after Brazil striker Luis Fabiano acknowledged he had scored Brazil's second goal after the ball touched his hand.

Although still far from his best, Kaka was key for Brazil, setting up Luis Fabiano's first goal and Elano's third. He had a great chance to score himself in the second half, but his shot from inside the area was saved by the goalkeeper.

He still made some mistakes but was satisfied with his performance.

"I'm happy for the result and I'm happy for how I played, participating in two goals," Kaka said. "I'm gaining more confidence."