Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar claimed his side outplayed Brazil for much of the game despite losing 1-0 to the defending world champions in Berlin.

Brazil often looked lacklustre on Tuesday night but won courtesy of a moment of magic from Kaka, who curled in a left-footed shot from outside the area.

Kranjcar said: "I didn't think we deserved to lose because for most of the time we were the better team and it's a pity we didn't make better use of our opportunity.

"If you make only one mistake against Brazil you will usually lose but it shows that we are well prepared for the next two matches."

The coach singled out Rangers striker Dado Prso, whose physical presence was a constant threat to the Brazilians.

"Prso played very well in attack and he had some chances to score. We showed our strength and I'm convinced we will use that in the games to come," Kranjcar added.

Influential skipper Niko Kovac went off with bruised ribs and Croatia will have to wait and see whether he will be ready to play the remaining group games against Japan and Australia.