Brazil vs. Ivory Coast 2010 World Cup: Kaka's Red Card, Brazil's Karma

Two things before I present my case.

Brazil deserved to win the game.

Kaka's second yellow card, for which he was sent off, was a total travesty.

However, given the number of dives, flops, and exaggerated, agonized expressions displayed by Brazil throughout the match, it makes perfect sense that Kaka would be sent off for an offense he didn't commit.

Cote d'Ivoire grew more and more frustrated as time ticked by. Part of that spawned from being down three goals, and part stemmed from irritation at the officials' calls, particularly the missed handball on Luis Fabiano's second score.

Subsequently, Cote d'Ivoire played more and more aggressively, committing a number of legitimate fouls while trying to mount a comeback.

That said, Brazil's relentless falls, winces, and moans were plain offensive in their frequency and excess.

As the fouls piled up against Cote d'Ivoire, their players grew increasingly disgusted with Brazil's actions, exhorting them to get up and quit trying to get the referee's attention.

That's when Abdul-Kader Keita decided to take matters into his own hands. With Kaka simply standing there, Keita ran directly into him and fell to the ground as if he'd been shot, clutching his face and writhing in fake agony.

It's really astounding that the referee fell for Keita's histrionics. His actions were so over the top, such a parody of Brazil's acts throughout the game, that he doubtless should have received a yellow card for diving.

Unfortunately, the referee—likely fully swept up in the drama—made the unconscionable decision to show Kaka the red card.

Clearly, I don't condone Keita's actions. There are many differing opinions on the diving and acting that pervades football, and I find it just as offensive as the fouls that are legitimately carded.

But I fully believe that Brazil brought this upon themselves.

It's not often that karma works so quickly.

Again, Brazil fully deserves to win and didn't need the officials' help to do so.

As well, Keita's actions were disgraceful and brought an undeserved red card on Kaka.

Yet somehow it all makes perfect sense.