The big stars are not shining at the World Cup and that goes for the Brazilian number 10 Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite who seems a shadow of his better-known self.
That, of course, is the man commonly known as Kaka.
But the World Cup is still waiting to see the Kaka who was once World Footballer of the Year and named by Time magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Brazil is hoping that Kaka turns up when they play Ivory Coast on Sunday at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium.
Against North Korea, the midfielder who cost Real Madrid 70 million euros (86.5 million dollars) last summer struggled to impose himself on the game.
There was plenty of endeavour but some unusual stray passes, and others, including the goal-scorers Maicon and Elano and striker Robinho, were more influential.
Kaka, who came off in the 78th minute to be replaced by Nilmar, was nevertheless pleased enough with his performance and the apparent lack of any muscular problems.
“As a debut, I believe it was good. I didn’t know what condition I would be in for the World Cup because of injury, so I am happy. I hope to constantly improve, but the debut has been a positive one,” he said.
It is hardly surprising that Kaka is seeking his form after a season hampered by injuries. Coach Carlos Dunga, who will need the midfielder’s inspiration if Brazil is to win the World Cup, is pleased with his progress.
“We knew Kaka would not be playing the whole match. He hadn’t played in nearly five months,” said Dunga.
Dunga needs Kaka because he does not have a similar player running at defences from midfield, creating space for the likes of Robinho and Luis Fabiano and also capable of scoring himself.
Whether Kaka can reach the heights, which made him the world’s best player when he was with AC Milan is another matter.
The Brazilian arrived at the World Cup still nursing a strain to his left thigh, one of the injury problems, which had restricted his league appearances with Real Madrid on his debut season with the Spanish giants.
He conceded before the North Korea game he was unlikely to last the full 90 minutes, and the substitution came as no surprise.
“In each match I’m getting better and better,” Kaka said. “There is still a lot to improve, but that will come with time.” Fellow midfielder Gilberto Silva is also confident Brazil will see the best of the player at the World Cup.
“In every game he will improve,” he said.
“It is very good to see him because he is really hungry to do well for Brazil and for himself. All the team are behind him and he has got the confidence of everyone. I am sure for the next games he will be much, much better.”
