Brazil's (L to R) Kaka, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Michel Bastos, Robinho and Luis Fabiano run during a team training session at St. Stithians College in Johannesburg on June 22, 2010. -Photo by AFP

JOHANNESBURG: Real Madrid star Kaka on Tuesday said he was furious to have to miss out on Brazil’s final pool match against Portugal after his red card against Ivory Coast.

Brazil have already reached the last 16 so the five-time champions can afford to rejig their starting eleven in any case — but Kaka insisted he was sore about his dismissal for a light push on Abdelkader Keita, who looked to have over reacted.

“I should have controlled myself a bit more,” Kaka admitted to reporters, while blasting Keita for “simulation”.

“These things should be avoided — you should avoid taking risks at a World Cup.

“It was not a comfortable situation — I should have controlled myself a bit more. But the referee was very severe. He saw my reaction but not the provocation.”

And Kaka added: “Unfortunately, there was simulation. If I had been to blame I would have come out and said ‘I am sorry, I offer you an apology. But that’s not how it was — I didn’t lose the plot. I continued to play normally but there was a bit of an argy bargy and it all ended with my dismissal.”

Prior to that, Kaka had been slowly finding his form again with two assists in the match as Brazil came through with two goals from Luis Fabiano and another from Elano.

“I am happy for him (Luis Fabiano). I know him from Sao Paulo and we have an understanding which is bearing fruit.

Kaka said he had received support over his red card from Portuguese rival and Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I talk regularly with Cristiano. Last time he told me my sending off was unfair.”

But he said their club friendship would be set aside at least for the final group match, even though he will have to watch from the sidelines, and insisted Brazil would look to win.

“Brazil are going all out to win another important match — it is important to ensure top spot. Okay, I know a draw will leave us top but a victory is good for confidence.”

The Brazilians face off against their former colonial masters on Friday in Durban.

Asked what his role would be in the run-up to the game Kaka said: “I must remain exemplary in training. I will help them, motivate them, advise them, talk to them and adopt an active attitude.”

Asked if there was strong rivalry with the Portuguese, Kaka said: “Yes, there is a bit. After all there are three Brazilians in their team (Deco, Pepe and Liedson).”

Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz said he would meanwhile hope to avenge a 6-2 friendly defeat to the Brazilians from 2008 — the last time they shipped six goals was in 1955.

With their 7-0 win over North Korea the Portuguese have not lost for 17 matches.

“We don’t want the Brazilians to score against us this time — it is a question of honour,” said Queiroz.

To date, the Brazilians have won 12 and the Portuguese four of 18 matches with two drawn.

Unless Ivory Coast win by a hatful against the North Koreans and Portugal also lose the latter will qualify but Queiroz says his side must not take any chances.

“We must not do Ivory Coast any favours in terms of letting it go down to goal (difference),” said Queiroz. -AFP