Brazil's Kaka (2nd L) jubilates after scoring a goal during the second match of World Cup 2006 Group F in Berlin, Germany, on June 13, 2006. Brazil defeated Croatia 1-0. -Xinhua

AC Milan's midfielder Kaka blasted a long-distance shot home on 43 minutes, giving defending champions Brazil 1-0 win over Croatia in their World Cup Group F match in Berlin on Tuesday evening.

With the win, Brazil not only collected the same three points in Group F as Australia, who crushed Japan 3-1 on Monday, but alsoset a World Cup record of becoming the first team to win eight successive matches in the finals.

Croatia had not suffered a defeat in their last 10 competitivematches, and had not been beaten since Euro 2004 where they lost to England 4-2 in their final group match. But the record was broken Brazil.

Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira paid tribute to Croatia after the match.

"The challenge is not only the first game," Parreira said,"In addition to the fact that my team hasn't played a lot together, we faced an adversary that was good and marking very well, with energy.

"I think the game was balanced, we had more shots on goal butwe had a certain difficulty imposing our own rhythm."Parriera insisted Brazil would be in their second Group F game against Australia on Sunday in Munich.

"The performance could be better but it will improve in the next game. For us it was so important to start with a win."Five-time world champions Brazil showcased their artistic football skill in front of 72,000 spectators at the Berlin Olympian Stadium, the venue for the final of the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany.

World-class midfielder Ronaldinho danced past three defenders only four minutes into the game, opening the Brazilians' chapter of attacking.

Kaka's powerful shot in the eighth minute was just inches above the bar. Defender Roberto Carlos, an expert in long-distance shots,showed his skill in the 14th, but Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa tipped the ball out in a high jump.

From 14 to 16 minutes, the Brazilians created three scoring chances but the great shots were all denied by in-form Pletikosa. Brazil captain Cafu, who helped set up Kaka's goal, added:"Without any doubt, the important thing is start on the right foot.

"I told the team before the game we had to go up seven steps,we went up one and now we have six to go," he said, referring tothe number of matches Brazil will have to play to win a sixth World Cup.

Then Croatia expertly stifled the South Americans attackingflair and seemed to become the better side.

The second half saw fierce attacks from the Croatian side.Forward Dado Prso, the most active player on the pitch, and Werder Bremen's prolific striker Ivan Klasnic made a dozen of dangerous shots or headers on goal. But goalkeeper Dida's best performance kept the Brazilian sheet clean.

Croatia coach Zlatko Krancjar put on a brave face at the after-match press conference.

"Brazil made a goal from just the one chance. This defeat won't stop us from going further," said Krancjar.

"But they have fantastic players in their side with the likes of Kaka."

"We will concentrate on next two matches in the group against Australia and Japan. I know they are tough opponents and we won'tlook down upon them." he noted.

The Brazilians, who had to focus on defense in the second half,launched several counterattacks, but few shots were on goal.Brazil might be favourites to claim the sixth World Cup but theway Croatia made Carlos Alberto Parreira's side work for this win suggests the world champions are not without their weaknesses.

Brazilian top strikers Ronaldo and Adriano looked subdued throughout and it took 55 minutes for the much criticised Real Madrid striker to have a shot at goal.

The unhappy Ronaldo was eventually replaced by Robinho, whose introduction served to bring greater attacking fluidity to the Brazilian side.

But the fact that Dida was one of Brazil's best performers gives an indication of just how well Croatia played.

The last minutes of the games featured tackles from both sides.The world champions edged the opponents in a really tough struggle.