Portugal gone the second round to draw 0-0 with winner Brazil in the FIFA World Cup 2010 on Friday. Brazil had already secured advancement and won Group G with seven points, two more than Portugal. Ivory Coast, which beat North Korea 3-0, was third with four points.
Portugal came into the match with a comfortable goal differential to just about guarantee its spot in the round of 16 even with a loss. Dunga said to blamed Portugal’s defensive setup for the lackluster result. We played to win, but our opponent didn’t, We always tried to attack, but they only tried to take advantage of our mistakes.''
Julio Cesar said, ''Portugal came playing back, trying to use Cristiano Ronaldo on the counterattacks. It was a difficult group so it was good to finish first. Now the hard part begins and we can’t lose anymore.''
Carlos Queiroz said,'' Brazil played very strongly in the first few minutes, but after that initial period of domination Portugal slowly started to control the game. In the end, the draw was a fair result.''
All coach had good chances, but finish to capitalize at Moses Mabhida Stadium.Brazil came into the tournament as the top-ranked team, while Portugal is No. 3.
Brazilian striker Nilmar had a shot tipped against the goalpost by goalkeeper Eduardo in the 30th minute, and Luis Fabiano’s close-range header just missed wide in the 39th. Portugal had a goal denied by keeper Julio Cesar in the 60th, when he barely tipped wide a shot by Raul Meireles after a dangerous run by Ronaldo.
Both teams had dominating wins in the previous match, with Brazil beating Ivory Coast 3-1 and Portugal routing North Korea 7-0. Portugal relying on quick counterattacks and the skills of Ronaldo. Mexican referee Benito Archundia showed seven yellow card four to Portugal in the first half.
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar made an incredible save on the shot by Meireles after a dangerous run from Ronaldo, who beat three defenders on the right before Lucio touched the ball across the area and into Meireles’ path.
Both teams played without their top playmakers and it probably made a difference. Brazil couldn’t count on Kaka because of a late red card in the match against Ivory Coast, while Portugal was without Brazil-born Deco for the second straight match because of a right hip injury.
The Brazilians also played without starting midfielder Elano because of a right ankle injury sustained in the second half against the Ivorians, and coach Dunga left Robinho out of starting lineup to rest and Kaka Red Card suspent.