Brazil & Portugal Through After Stalemate

Brazil vs. Portugal. Two of the biggest names in football playing against each other on the biggest stage of them all. The entertaining prospect sends shivers down the spines of football fans the world over and has them licking their lips at what looks to be a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat game. You'd be stupid to miss it right? ...Well, no actually as the case may be. In fact, you'd probably be better off doing other things or watching the other game.

When the draw was made for the World Cup groups, way back in December, if any fixture stood head and shoulders above the rest it was this one. Two teams with real potential, sublime talent, fabulous flair oozing in class, style and intelligent football. It was a shame then that we saw barely anything of what we expected. This encounter, on paper anyway, promised to be enthralling, energetic and full of exquisite football. It could be described better as dull, dire, disappointing, DRAW.

Portugal started off as the brighter of the two sides, with Brazil playing without the injured Elano and the suspended Kaka. Portugal, currently second in the group, had pretty much rendered the other game between the Ivory Coast and North Korea meaningless thanks to their superior goal difference, and both teams were simply playing for pride. All Portugal really needed was a point to secure their position and Brazil were comfortably through to the next round, so they weren't really in desperate need of a win, unlike Italy yesterday. This is probably what made the game so fraught and niggly, ending up 0-0 at the final whistle. It stood in sharp contrast to the Italy-Slovakia game, with spectators unable to keep their eyes away from one game, but unable to keep their eyes from closing in the other.

Brazil soon began to dominate possession wise, and were able to pass it at will in midfield. However, that was about all they could do as for large parts of the first half they were unable to penetrate the Portuguese defence. When they did, it was largely down the wings, particularly with Maicon who, as the game wore on, was seen further and further down the pitch in the Portuguese third. Nilmar, had undoubtedly the best chance of the first half, but his shot was saved well by keeper, Eduardo who managed to get it on to the frame of the goal. Luis Fabiano, who has scored 2 superbly taken goal already, tried to add a third to his name but Eduardo again, was once more equal to it. Portugal have now kept clean sheets in all but 4 of their last 17 games, and it looked like they were going to keep it at 4, in part thanks to Eduardo's fine saves, but also to some good closing down and tracking back by the Portuguese defenders.

Fabio Coentrao and Raul Meireles have been really impressive so far in the tournament, but they were kept largely quiet by Brazil, as was Ronaldo. Most of the game tended to be played in midfield, before either team broke away, but it was a frustrating affair both for the players and the spectators. There were 7 bookings just in the first half alone preventing any kind of free-flowing football. What we got were a number of poorly taken free kicks, including Ronaldo's free-kicks which were well short of his best. Perhaps he should take a tip or two off Honda or Endo! Pepe and Felipe Melo seemed to be in a battle of their own down on the left hand side, with both constantly fouling the other, and both getting booked in the process.

There was a huge shout for a sending-off when Brazilian defender Juan clearly hand-balled some 40 yards from goal, as Ronaldo was closing down on a long-ball seeking to control it and get it past him. From Juan's reaction, he looked relieved to see just a yellow, but it could have been much worse had the referee deemed it to be denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The Portuguese players were clearly unimpressed, and Duda was booked for his protests.

Ronaldo, playing as the lone front man, improved slightly in the second half, having another great chance to run at the defence, but Lucio got in a sliding block just in the nick of time to prevent Ronaldo from scoring. Ronaldo, again set up the ball for Raul Meireles, who could only shoot wide and didn't do enough to trouble Julio Cezar. It was difficult for Brazil to really create anything, not only because they couldn't find a way past the Portuguese defence which was highly organised, but because they were playing at too slow a tempo, to have any real affect at going forward. Their coach Dunga was absolutely screaming down at the touchline, he was doing his nut in trying to make them play faster and get the ball moving quicker to at least try and trouble the Portuguese.

Brazil went close at the other end with Ramires striking a shot from distance, in injury time, only to see it saved by a diving Eduardo. The game petered out to a no-score draw provoking jeers from the masses of travelling supporters, who had paid good money for what looked a mighty promising encounter. Instead, what we got was a largely fractious affair, with no real tempo to the game whatsoever and no goals for either of the two sides.

Brazil go through as group winners, and Portugal will finish in second place, with either one of these teams possibly facing European champions, Spain. The Brazilians lacked their usual flair, trickery and "samba" football, whilst the Portuguese remained rock solid at the back, thanks in no small part to Eduardo. Portugal remain the only European team in the competition to have not conceded a goal...even the Swiss can't better that...and it makes one wonder how the opposition will be able to get a goal past them...

In the other Group G game, the Ivory Coast exited the competition with a bang, becoming the fifth African team to leave on African soil. They beat North Korea by 3 goals to 0, with Yaya Toure, Romaric and Chelsea's Salomon Kalou getting their names on the scoresheet. From watching the highlights, it looked as though Boka had a superb game. He seemed to be at the centre of everything and looked really impressive for the Elephants, who stomp out of the competition with 4 points to their name. North Korea finish bottom with nil-points.

Sublime Portugal Smash 7 Past N. Korea...

Well, I asked for more goals coming into this round. And it seems, that my wish was granted as Portugal knocked seven past a hapless North Korea. Remember the 6-0 Argentina win in 2006? Well, 2010 just bettered that. Portugal needed to get themselves on the scoring sheet after seeing out a 0-0 draw against the Ivory Coast in the first game of this group - and boy did they do so!

However, the scoreline hides the fact that at first, it didn't look like it was going to be such a massive rout for the Portuguese. The North Koreans, who had played brilliantly against Brazil, gave it as good as they had for at least the first 20 minutes of the game. Again, they came into this game, very well organised at the back, very disciplined and stuck to a rigid shape. But, to their credit, they didn't just defend but actually set forward to attack. Against Brazil, they were very much in defensive mode until Maicon's goal from that weird angle flew in. This forced them to push on a bit in search of a goal, which they got.

But in this game, they started going forward and creating chances from the off. It was a clear change in tactics, and North Korea looked as though they could get a goal out of this if Portugal weren't careful. Portugal actually started off a bit tentatively but gained in composure and rhythm, and inevitably, as the North Koreans poured forward, they were left exposed at the back. Raul Meireles got the first goal in gushing rain, and it was a well deserved goal for him, despite the few North Korean chances at the other end. Raul Meireles was a constant threat to the North Korean defence, slipping in past them on several occasions and getting his shots away. He would have scored much earlier had it not been for the North Korean keeper, some last-minute defending, and the ball going wide a few times. He was really lively and patient too, knowing that one of his chances would surely go in, and it did on the half-hour mark after a great pass from Tiago. Before Meireles' goal, Ricardo Carvalho had the best Portuguese chance, just heading on to the post.

Unbelievably, the game went into half-time 1-0 with 6 goals coming in the second half. At half-time, North Korea would have felt that they still had some say in the game and if they could put away one of their chances, then we would have a real game on our hands. Unfortunately, this wasn't to be as Simao got the Portuguese's second goal, shortly after the match had resumed. The forward players for Portugal were really impressive in setting up the goals and creating the play - there was some fine build-up play between Almeida and Raul Meireles to get the second. The impressive Fabio Coentrao was provider for the third goal, scored by Almeida. Portugal were really playing as a team, and it was nice to see that they were not totally reliant on one man. That one man had been criticised for a lacklustre performance against the Ivory Coast, but by now his team were 3-0 up, he was enjoying himself, pulling out his party tricks and determined to get an international goal that had eluded him for two years. It seemed inevitable that it would come soon. But first, there was the matter of the other 3 goals.

By this time, North Korea had given up and simply self-destructed. They didn't know whether to keep on pushing and get a goal or two or whether to go into damage limitation mode. Well, they didn't do either, unfortunately for them. And, this gave Portugal the ascendancy - it was total domination by Carlos Quieroz's side who virtually secured their place in the next round because of their increasing goal difference. I felt really sorry for the North Koreans who looked totally out of their depth out there, and a world apart from the team that finished fourth in the last world cup. They just wanted to hear the sound of the final whistle, but they plugged away despite a humbling performance by the opposition.

With every Portuguese attack, I feared for the North Koreans, as it looked like another goal was about to be scored. And, this is exactly what happened. Once a team concedes a certain number of goals, you can see in the body language of the players, that they've basically rolled over and given up. This just made it easier for Portuguese who were not done yet. It seemed everyone in their team wanted a goal, none more so than their captain. There were 6 different scorers for Portugal, which says a lot I think. It was Ronaldo who assisted Tiago in getting his first, and Portugal's fourth of the night. That was 3 goals in 7 minutes.

As we entered the last 10 minutes of the game, there were a further 3 goals in 8 minutes. Substitute Liedson got the fifth, and finally, that man, Ronaldo got his goal. It was typical Ronaldo showboating, as he got the ball, skipped past a defender and controlled it beautifully as it fell on to the back of his neck and rolled down, before smashing it past the keeper. However, there was probably no better time for him to showboat, as his side were safely cruising and it was a really great goal.

Tiago got his second in the 89th minute, rounding off a thumping 7-0 victory sending the North Koreans crashing out of the competition. The superior goal difference means that Portugal have made it really tough for the Ivorians to compete for second place. The Ivory Coast are -2 down, and must therefore score 9 and concede none, and hope that Portugal don't score against Brazil to qualify. Now, that would be a true spectacle. They would of course, not need as many goals, if Brazil do them a favour. Somehow, I don't quite see Portugal relinquishing their second spot in Group G, after that resounding victory. It would also be extremely hard on the North Koreans, if the Ivory Coast do manage to get that many past them. So, it looks like another African team will be exiting the competition soon, and even if the places are virtually sealed, the Brazil-Portugal game looks to be one to watch!

Portugal have finally burst onto the scene, and how! Although, it must be remembered, that it wasn't exactly against the strongest of sides. I wonder, if the North Korean government will show this match in North Korea. The last match against Brazil was broadcasted some 16 or so hours after it had finished... somehow I don't think they will be too keen to show this one anytime soon...

Brazil Through To Last 16...

Brazil beat the Ivory Coast to send them through to the next stage of the competition, but for the Ivory Coast it was a night to forget, and leaves them with only the slightest of hopes to qualify. The game was packed with goals, cards and controversial decisions but despite the scoreline, it was not a classic Brazilian victory - more of a composed and measured one. In the end it was enough. Whilst, the Ivory Coast still remain in the competition, it doesn't look likely that they will qualify meaning that yet another African team will go crashing out in what has been a really difficult tournament for the African sides.

Kaka was the player most criticised following their 2-1 victory against North Korea. He was substituted off early, and during the game, he wasn't really anywhere to be seen. He had difficulty in getting the ball and making the most of the possession with his magic touches, that won him the Footballer of the Year Award in 2007. However, little did he know that he was to be at the centre of this match.

It was Kaka that was provider for the first goal, passing the ball to Luis Fabiano who played a nice one-two with him, before firing it into the net. That goal came 25 minutes into the match, after both teams had started off rather tentatively, much like the first group games. The Ivory Coast were happy to have captain and star man Didier Drogba back from injury. But unfortunately for them, he didn't look fully fit and was not able to influence the game as much as he would have liked. The game was being played at a pretty slow tempo until the goal was scored.

The Ivory Coast knew that they had to change their shape and open themselves up a bit if they were to go forward and score. And they really needed the goals. In doing so, Didier Drogba operated as a lone frontman with 5 midfielders behind him to add more width to their game, and so open Brazil's defence up a bit, and get behind the fullbacks.

But, they were soon caught out by Luis Fabiano again, as he managed to control the ball brilliantly (or so it seemed) and scored from close range. However, replays showed that he clearly handled the ball as it rolled off his shoulder whilst he tried to control it and it should have been disallowed. The referee, Stephane Lannoy, from France even asked Luis Fabiano if he handled it, would you believe it or not! Well he's hardly gonna say yes then is he?!

Kaka actually had a great chance to make it 3 for the Samba boys but could only direct it at the keeper. However, he was on hand to dance his way past the Ivorian defenders and unselfishly get the ball out for Elano to score his second goal, which he celebrated by pulling out his shin pads, which had the name of his kids printed on them. It was a good job he put them back in, because had he not done so, he would have been even more badly injured by a nasty tackle from an Ivory Coast player. He was stretchered off the pitch and it looks like it could just be heavy bruising, and thankfully nothing worse.

The game did not end there though as there was still time for another goal. Didier Drogba got his first goal of the tournament, as a overhead pass from Yaya Toure found its way over to him, and he was able to head the ball in. However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal for his team, as the game ended 3-1.

But, before it could end, there was yet another big moment in the game with Kaka being sent off for two yellow cards. It came with only 5 or so minutes remaining when Kaka was punished with a yellow for pushing Yaya Toure. However, having only just been booked, he was sent off the field a minute later, for what looked like a nothing collision. It sparked a moment of confusion, chaos and madness, as players from both sides began having it out with each other. The referee took a moment to consider things, before Kaka saw red. However, watching on the replays it was clear to see that the referee had been conned. In no way, was that a yellow card. Kaka and Keita had both come together, and there was a little nudge by Kaka, but that was it. Kaka didn't hit Keita on the face, but Keita collapsed holding his hands to his face as though he had just been smacked. We don't like seeing things like that, and it's really stupid for a player to go down faking it. Not only are they doing a disservice to their fellow players, but they are going to be caught out sooner or later, as there are cameras following you everywhere. We know what went on with Zidane and how that tarnished his reputation. It might help you in a game, but the Ivory Coast, at 3-1 down and with barely 5 minutes on the clock left, were going nowhere. It was a silly bit of playacting that will prevent Kaka from playing for Brazil in the next game. As unfair as it was, it did remind one of the famous Rivaldo incident at the corner flag so maybe the Turkish will see it as karma. However, the most astonishing thing about all of this is that the referee nor his assistants saw what happened!!! The referee, at the time was watching the ball in front of him, whereas Kaka and Keita were on his left side. He only went by the reaction of the player, Keita and the Ivory Coast players who surrounded him. His assistant was way over on the far side, so he was of no use. But seriously, if the referee hasn't seen what's gone on then how can he make a decision?! It was a poor, poor call by the ref but luckily Kaka has only been given a one-match ban.

Well, I said before in an earlier post, that no world cup is complete without controversial decisions, and it seems that in the last few days we've had a few too many...

What's that I can hear? Oh it's the beat of the Samba drums...that can only mean one thing...

Well there were definitely tears in this one. Although before we had even gotten started. The No. 9 for North Korea - Tae Se Jong was clearly very emotional during the national anthems bit. He was in tears as his country's anthem played out, and it really hit home how much it means to the players. It was quite heartwarming to see the passion and pride so overtly, especially coming from a player whose country has been involved in serious political turmoil for many, many years. I heard that if North Korea failed to win this game, then they would not show the televised match in the capital of North Korea. I also heard that they had used Chinese actors to pose as North Korean fans in the stadium. None of this is confirmed of course, and I sincerely hope that it is just rumour, and not the truth, because North Korea did themselves and their country really proud tonight, after pulling of a surprising but determined performance against the team ranked No.1.

The Brazilians, and probably everyone else, were not expecting the type of performance they got from the North Koreans. The samba boys found it extremely difficult to break down a stoic and plucky North Korean defence and went into half time with the scores still 0-0. It looked like it was going to be another one of those games, that we have seen all too often, already in the tournament. The kind where the tempo's slow, there's not too many chances, both teams are cautious, it stays 0-0 for ages, and then one team wins it by a goal or two. But, to be fair, I thought that Brazil and North Korea started off rather well. There was pace and Brazil in particular, were keen to get the ball moving.

North Korea, were sort of similar to Japan in a sense, they were very well organised, not out of position too often, resolute at the back and hoping to break on the counter. Their style of play suited the attacking Brazil, who saw most of the ball and the chances in the first half. On loan player Robinho, dazzled in the early stages, with some pretty stepovers, whilst Bastos and Elano had some shots from range. That's another thing I have noticed in this tournament, so many players are shooting from far out. I'm not sure whether it's because of this new ball and the things people have been saying about it, but there do certainly seem to be shots coming in from far out...the only thing is that they haven't really been on target, otherwise we would be talking about some pretty spectacular goals! I was a bit disappointed by Kaka. He was substituted later on in the second half, and he didn't really do much during the time he was on. He had no real impact on the game which was a shame.

Brazil realised that North Korea were able to squeeze the ball out really well, when it got nearer to their goal, which is why they tried the long ball and long distance shot approach. To their credit, North Korea did not just sit back and defend, which is what made this game entertaining to watch, unlike some of the ones we have already seen. They broke several times on the counter with Jong able to rattle Cezar and the Brazilian defence. It looked like an upset, or at least another draw, was on the cards as the teams headed into the half time break. North Korea, were quite clearly the happier of the two.

It was not until the 55th minute that Inter's Maicon was able to break this strong North Korean defence. It was actually a pretty weird kind of goal. Maicon was able to get down the right hand side and from what seemed like an improbable angle, he was able to get the ball away and it somehow landed into the back of the net. There has been debate about this goal though - did he intend to shoot, or was it actually a cross? I think he meant to cross it. But he's Brazilian, so I can't be sure. It was such a tight angle though, I mean he was practically horizontal to the goal and watching from the replay, the ball was played straight on, but it just swerved, before it landed in the North Korean goal. It was a blow for the North Koreans, who had done so well at keeping the Brazilians at bay, until then. The pass from Elano to Maicon was great, by the way.

Whilst North Korea pressed forward to get the equaliser, they were left open at the back. It was a superb pass from Robinho which sailed over the defenders, like a knife through butter, that provided the assist for Brazil's second goal. Elano latched on to the ball, controlled it beautifully and took the shot, which looked to have won them the game. It was a great finish from the former Man City player. But if Brazil thought it was all over, they were made to think again, with a lovely attacking move by North Korea. In fact, you might have even thought, it was Brazil in disguise, the way they passed the ball. Yun-Nam Ji was able to control it and coolly slot it pass Julio Cezar to give them a consolation. They really deserved that goal, and one could say they were quite unlucky to not get a point out of the game. For their passion, determination and willingness to work hard and try and get something out of the game, they certainly deserved a point. But Brazil were dominant in possession, made their chances count when they needed to and saw off the game from a side that gave them a real run for their money, and so they probably deserved the victory in the end.

The good thing was, we had an entertaining game of football. For the first time in the competition, the losing side managed to score. And there were no Mexican waves during the game (in the previous games, which have lacked in entertainment value, there has been plenty of Mexican waving going on). An entertaining game of attacking football in what has been a largely defensive and cagey tournament so far? It can only mean one thing: the Samba boys have danced their way into town!

Sven vs. Portugal (again...) - This time though, there's not a teardrop in sight (In fact, there's not much of anything in sight!)

I was really looking forward to this one. I mean, really. It's a shame then that it really wasn't worth the wait. Like most games of the tournament so far, it was a cagey affair, with few real shots on target and plenty of scrappy and unpretty football. Sven came up against his nemesis once again. After losing to Portugal, with England, on penalty shoot-outs on two previous occasions, Sven was probably relieved to see the back of Scolari and face a Portugal side, under new boss Carlos Quieroz, with his herd of Elephants.

With talismanic captain, Drogba on the bench after his fractured arm, the Ivory Coast were keen to avoid defeat against Ronaldo's portugal. And to be honest, they needn't have worried. Seriously. The first half was pretty poor from both teams. The only thing of any real note was Ronnie's thumper of a shot which whacked the post. Other than that, it was a half with plenty of bookings, plenty of fouls and the odd dive or two. It was a real niggly game with neither side willing to venture forward. The bulk of the game was played in midfield and it just wasn't very interesting to watch, to be quite frank. Gervinho was the player who impressed the most for the Ivorians. He was willing to get up front and try something different. He had a few shots on target but ultimately they amounted to nothing. It was so frustrating to watch either team trying to break the deadlock.

We knew that Drogba was coming on long before he had even stepped on the pitch. The guy's got an incredible fanbase in SA and you could hear the vuvuzela's getting ever so louder (if you thought they had reached their decibel peak, you were wrong) and the buzz in the crowd as he warmed up. I thought he might make a big impact in what was largely a passive game. He has done so on many an occasion for Chelsea, but unfortunately could not affect the game for the remaining 25 minutes. He had a good chance towards the end, but could only managed to fire the ball across goal. All in all, a point apiece was probably the fair result, with the Ivorians getting the most out of the game. Portugal will be disappointed with not being able to pick up more than a point, in a game where the main opposition goal threat, was for the most part, on the bench. Either team will have wanted to get off to a good start in the group of death, with Brazil still left to play, but must now concentrate on their remaining two games.

So, and I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice that this World Cup has not really seen the greatest of football. In comparison to 2006, the teams (aside from the Germans) have all been really rigid, cagey, scrappy, tense and just not open. I have noticed that there have been a lot of games which have remained 0-0 for most of the match, before the odd goal wins it. Also, for the teams that have won their opening games, there have been no goals from the opposition. The recent results have all been either draws (1-1 or 0-0) or unconvincing victories (usually 1-0, but there has been two 2-0 victories...nothing more though). We haven't seen the best out of these teams yet and there hasn't been a real, exciting game as of yet (again, not including the Germany-Australia game). I think it's safe to say that the 2010 World Cup has gotten off to a quiet start; perhaps that's because the vuvuzelas seem to be making all the noise at the moment! But: Brazil and Spain are still yet to play. Surely, 5 times winners, Brazil can change the goal drought and the football we are getting...right?! We find out in half an hour...