After the criticism of a less than convincing opening win over Croatia, with stars such as Ronaldo and Adriano, but also Ronaldinho, not finding their top form, some of the lesser known members of the squad may force their way into contention.

However, one man who did live up to his star billing, scoring the only goal, was AC Milan midfield star Kaka.

His flair went a long way towards holding Carlos Alberto Parreira's Brazilians together and stamped his growing status as a player worthy of mention in the same breath as his senior colleagues.

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, alias Kaka, was born in Brasilia 24 years ago and joined Milan three years ago from Sao Paulo.

Since making his international debut four years ago against Bolivia he has become part of the Brazilian "magic quartet" comprising himself, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Adriano with, as always, the emphasis on attack.

A committed Christian, one of his country's so-called 'athletes of God', his teammates were grateful for the match-winning intervention of his left foot against the Croatians in Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

Tostao, one of Brazil's 1970 legends, gave him eight out of ten for his showing, compared to just two for an out of sorts Ronaldo who eventually went off to be replaced by another up-and-coming star in Robinho.

"I have matured a lot," says Kaka.

"I have taken on a lot more responsibility and grown in stature, both physically and as a player. I've picked up a lot more experience."

Still seen as the baby of the side for his slender frame, his precision play has made him a feature of the world champions' engine room since he came on and scored in a qualifier in Colombia.

Only keeper Dida, a clubmate as well as international colleague, played in more qualifiers - 16 to Kaka's 15, as the midfield man became a growing influence. He also scored five goals along the road to Germany.

His studious approach and religious faith have endeared him to fans and media and he arrived here with the experience of at least watching from the sidelines as Luiz Felipe Scolari led the 2002 squad to victory in Japan.

Kaka's contract at Milan runs to 2010 but the fans at least want him to stay as long as he likes, having composed a song for one of their favourites.

As befits a budding global star Kaka is being pursued for advertising contracts and has signed a deal with sports clothing firm Adidas and also Armani.

After teammates ribbed him for his casual sartorial approach on arrival in Italy's fashion capital Kaka is now elegance personified, as witnessed by photoshoots for the likes of GQ magazine, winning him thousands of female - and male - admirers.

He recently featured on a list of the most popular pin-up players just behind Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo in a survey published by Dutch gay magazine 'Gay Krant.

But Kaka brushed that finding off, telling reporters "that's just not my scene."

Last year Kaka married teenage sweetheart Carolina Celico in an evangelical ceremony in Sao Paulo.

"My faith is solid, I read the bible a lot," he said.