Brazil saw off the challenge of a slightly disappointing Chile to seal a mouth-watering quarter-final tie against the Netherlands

The Selecao defeated Chile 4-2 and 3-0 in World Cup qualifying - and Dunga's team eased to a comfortable victory at Ellis Park on Monday as their opponents became the first South American team to be eliminated from the competition.

Chile, shorn of suspended trio Marco Estrada, Waldo Ponce and Gary Medel, were always up against it after conceding twice in four minutes shortly after the half-hour mark.

Juan opened the scoring with a powerful header and Luis Fabiano slotted into an empty net to finish off an attacking move of lethal precision as Brazil took another step towards a sixth World Cup title.

A precise right-foot finish from the edge of the area saw Robinho, who had a later effort ruled out for offside, open his account at the tournament in the second half.

Brazil boss Dunga has been heavily criticised back home for constructing a team that values efficiency ahead of flair, but his side controlled the vast majority of the match and were comfortable winners.

Chile, as with Mexico against Argentina on Sunday, really took the contest to their opponents in the opening minutes.

Marcela Bielsa's side have won many admirers in South Africa with their quick-fire, skilful brand of attacking football, but apart from a weak Humberto Suarez shot that Brazil keeper Julio Cesar easily collected they had little end product to show for their bright start.

Brazil, with Dani Alves superb on the right of midfield, gave Chile no room to breathe and gradually took control of the contest.

They should have been awarded a penalty when Lucio was brought down by a late tackle from Pablo Contreras, but eventually took the lead through Juan's header from Maicon's corner.

The Brazil defender was left unmarked - and his perfectly placed header clearly rattled Chile, whose increasingly erratic passing prevented them from picking any holes in their opponents' defensive structure.

The tie was as good as won when Brazil scored their second just four minutes after Juan's header, with a goal of breathtaking movement and precision.

Robinho cut inside before playing a square ball to Kaka, who delivered a beautifully weighted first-time pass that Luis Fabiano, in an onside position, collected before easing past Claudio Bravo and slotting into an empty net.

The striker almost doubled his tally with a glancing header that flew wide, but Robinho sealed victory just before the hour mark with his precise finish after the impressive Ramires finished a surging run with a accurate pass. Ramires was later booked and will miss the match against the Dutch.

Bielsa had made all three substitutions with 30 minutes remaining as he chased the game and Jorge Valdivia almost pulled a goal back with a clean strike that narrowly flew over the crossbar shortly after his introduction, while Julio Cesar denied Suazo, who later clipped the crossbar.

Brazil slowed the pace of the contest but attacked in occasional devastating bursts that saw Robinho twice come close to a second goal.

He had an angled strike saved by Bravo and later slotted beyond the Chilean keeper, but was denied by a marginal but correct offside decision.

It made no difference to the outcome of a tie already over, but the five-time world champions will face a stiffer test against the Dutch in Port Elizabeth on 2 July.

Brazil rediscovers samba football to beat Chile

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -Brazil's football orchestra has found its harmony with a 3-0 win over Chile at the World Cup.

Coach Dunga said there's still much to improve, but he must have been encouraged what in the win at Ellis Park, which clinched a place in the quarterfinals.

Full back Maicon said "it was likely our best match so far.''

Luis Fabiano, who scored the second goal after Juan's opener, said the margin of victory "shows that we are improving match after match, and this is important in a competition like the World Cup.''

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/wires/06/28/2020.ap.soc.wcup.brazil.s.samba.0209/#ixzz0sDFgqhEr

Everyone has to be well-prepared so as not to be surprised: Dunga

Brazil coach Carlos Dunga said minutes after defending world champions Italy crashed out of South Africa 2010 in the first round that he wasn't surprised by it.

"We always joke that football is full of surprises. But there are no surprises. All teams had the quality to qualify," Dunga told a press conference on Thursday in Durban.

"Football nowadays is globalised, and everyone has to be well-prepared so as not to be surprised."

Italy crashed out in a 3-2 defeat against newcomers Slovakia and the 2006 finalists France are also already out. Brazil have also crashed out as holders in the first round, in 1966.

In that year their fate was sealed with a 3-1 defeat against Portugal - the nation they play in their final group game again Friday in Durban.

This time around Brazil are already safely into the Round of 16, but Dunga insisted: "Brazil has to play to win the match. It's not always possible, but we have to play to win.

"It will be a very good match for us and for anyone who likes football. Brazil and Portugal are two teams who have shown in recent years their productivity and the quality of their players."

A tactical result is not possible because the next opponent will be decided only later in the group H deciders.

Brazil could run into Euro 2008 champions Spain but Dunga, who captained Brazil to the 1994 title, did not express a preference for his men's next rivals.

"If we are at a World Cup we have to face whatever rival we get. We think more about ourselves, and we try to do our job well," Dunga said.

He stressed that the world of football has changed.

"We have to forget a little bit about that name thing," Dunga said. "We have to go into the pitch and play well."

He noted that players from around the world now play in the most competitive leagues, that coaches also go abroad to improve their skills.

"Maybe we who are from the most traditional countries have to prepare ourselves better for those situations," Dunga admitted.

The Big Guns of football battle it out: Brazil and Portugal Preview

A match made in heaven two of Worlds best teams fight it out for the top of the table in the biggest match of the tournament so far.

They will be playing for pride rather than points where Portugal only needed a draw to qualify to the next round and Brazil are already in the round of sixteen.

Brazil will depend on their ace striker Robinho and goal scorinng machine Fabiano while the inform Portugal after raining goals over North Korea will look beat the samba boys in the rainbow nation where there are over 1 million Portugese speaking people.

Dunga has apologised to the fans after he used the words “donkey” and “wimp” as well as launching a verbal attack on the journalist in question in his post-match press conference.

He says, “I’m sorry the fans have always supported the national team and all I want to do is to be able to work for the good of this team.”

Ronaldo would miss playing against his team mate Kaka after a sent off in the last game. He says, “It’s not fair because Kaka did nothing in my opinion, and now he won’t play against us, he didn’t deserve that red card. I saw the game and I spoke with him about it afterwards. He was angry at the time but after the game he’s cool, he understands it’s part of the game.”

These two teams have met before in a friendly match on November 19, 2008 in Gama (a city near Brasília, Brazil’s capital). But the score line was far too disappointing for the Portuguese side after they were beaten 6-2.

Revenge is what Portugal wants and this would be the perfect platform to earn that honour and pride but Brazil is not going to make life that colourful for Portugal. They and Argentina are the two teams who are playing the best football in the tournament so far. Can the former world best player Ronaldo produce some magic as he usually does in big matches?

This group H tie will be a mouth watering soccer mania.

Why I am praying for Brazil to lift the Cup

B S Prakash, India's [ Images ] Ambassador to Brazil [ Images ], on what it is to be in Brazil during the World Cup.

I am at this huge party in the South African embassy, here in Brazil. It is the opening match of the FIFA [ Images ] World Cup and with his imagination the South African ambassador -- a close friend and a fellow partner for me in IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa [ Images ]) -- has organised a large screen, crates of cold beer, platters of barbeque and has invited the whole town. Many invitees around me are wearing their national team T-shirts, but I am drowned in a sea of mainly yellows -- the famous Brazilian football jersey colour.

South Africa has scored the first goal of the tournament, a real scorcher against which the Mexican goalkeeper is helpless. The screaming and the droning noise of the vuvuzelas around me are deafening. Brazilians are dancing too, as they have nothing at stake in this match.

"Is India in the World Cup? When is your first match?" the question that I face twice a day these days is now being asked by an elderly Brazilian who cannot dance at his age. I tell him with some embarrassment that 'Sorry, no, India is not in the World Cup, never was,' etc.

"Why?" He asks, again a familiar question for me in Brazil.

Why indeed?

Because football is above all a fiercely collective game and we are incapable of it, being individualistic? Because the 'Goal' for the individual in our civilisational ethos is nothing less than Moksha or Nirvana or total liberation, and this spirit does not support a fire in the belly for putting the ball in the rope net and calling it a goal?

Because cricket consumes all our passion and resources and even our politics?

Because in Bengal the cradle of our football, today talk is even more important than action? I don't know but I don't have to answer. Fortunately all around me there are shouts as the Mexicans now near the goal.

But I am mellowed in the yellow crowd.

To be in Brazil even at normal times is an experience. To be in Brazil during the World Cup is something else. For weeks now, I have been seeing strange stories in the newspapers and have to consult my Brazilian colleagues to decipher them.

'Import duty on beer reduced from 18 per cent to 3 per cent,' is the headline one day. Why? Because the government has come to the belated realisation that domestic beer production just cannot meet the peak demand during the World Cup, especially if the Brazilian team does well. For its own popularity in an election year it has taken the decision for an import surge of beer. The same is expected for potato chips.

'Offices to close at 2:30,' says the papers. Our Brazilian employees educate me about the imperative to close the embassy at that time on the day the Brazilian team is playing as the matches are televised at 3 pm. At that hour the country sits still and there is no question of any one working. We happily comply.

'Do not fly the flag on the official car, Sir,' advises my driver, though it is the diplomatic convention for the national flag on the ambassador's car. Why? Millions are flying the Brazilian flag on their cars during the World Cup and a foreign looking flag will upset them, especially if they have lost on any particular day. Sensible advice. Why be provocative?

And so on.

I have known the importance of football in Brazil and even wrote a column in my early months in this country aptly titled 'In Brazil, the ball is the world'. I had explored the historical, sociological and psychological aspects of the Brazil-Football equation and also compared it with the India-Cricket fixation. But all that had not prepared me for the total immersion and absorption that I now see as Brazil aspires for its sixth win in the World Cup, having won a record five over the years.

But it is acknowledged even by the most passionate fans that the game today is different from that of the classical era and that to win is a big challenge. From the fifties to the nineties Brazilian and in general Latino football represented individual flair, innovation, unorthodoxy and 'devil may care' attitude. This was in contrast to the European style: Team-oriented, practiced perfection, physical, fast and serious to the core.

Today in a highly globalised and commercialised football world dominated by leagues rather than nations, famous Brazilian players are always in Europe with lucrative contracts.

Playing under the national flag imposes new demands in team effort, style and discipline. Secondly, the Brazilian coach Dunga has sacked even celebrities including someone of the stature of Ronaldino, putting emphasis on collectivity rather than celebrity. All this has led to uncertainty and worry about the fate of the national team.

No one can grow up in this country without knowing the legendary story of 'the saddest day in Brazilian football.' This was sixty years ago, on July 16, 1950, the first World Cup organised after the war and that too in the most famous playground, the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro [ Images ], the Mecca of football.

Brazil was the overwhelming favourite and in the last match was pitted against its tiny neighbour, Uruguay. The capacity home crowd of 210,000 people geared for victory celebrations were devastated by the defeat of their home team to Uruguay in a 2-1 finish in the dying moments. This is a tragic legend in Brazil comparable only to the Battle of Plassey or Panipat in our imagination.

Believe it or not, I came across the following two gems from the Brazilian press on that episode: 'Our catastrophe, our Hiroshima was at Marcana, the defeat by Uruguay in 1950,' and another one: 'The goal in 1950 and the gunshot that killed Kennedy both have the same drama, the same movement, the same precision of an inexorable trajectory leading to a tragedy.'

I see this worry deepening as Brazil plays its first match against North Korea. Brazil wins 2-1 no doubt, but whoever expected the mysterious North Koreans at world rankings number 135 give such a running to the world number one team. Predictably there is a lot of expert analysis in the bar where we see the match. The team is too slow, the rhythm is lacking, the stars are missing etc combined with more complacent comments about 'after all this is the first match; we are always like that only.'

"Which is your favourite team?" Brazilians ask me frequently. This one is easy. Not only for me and not only now but Brazil has always been the favourite team for Indians for decades. The latest survey by Outlook-Mudra confirms that 43 per cent of Indians regard Brazil as their favourite, followed by the team from neighbouring Argentina.

There is also the explanation as to how a newly independent India started loving the Brazil team from the early fifties, as it was the only team with blacks, browns, and whites, an original rainbow nation. Also we fell in love with the players with such magical names: Zico, Socrates, and the one and only Pele. I say all this liberally around me and become popular.

But as I write this, these are early days as yet in the World Cup. Everything is possible in every match as the teams are so comparable and competitive. But with all the prospects of a fun party after each win, I pray every day with all the Brazilians that they lift the Cup. What better can I do for goodwill for India in this country?

B S Prakash is India's Ambassador in Brazil and can be reached atambassador@indianembassy.org.br

Brazil increase their repertoire

On Sunday night, the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg witnessed Brazil's remarkable step forward in their quest to conquering a sixth World Cup title. After their 3-1 victory over Ivory Coast, Dunga's team guaranteed their spot in the second round and will very likely play against Portugal for first place of the group in their third match of the World Cup this coming Friday.

However, Brazil's victory brought more significant elements to the side than the three points. At certain times in the match, it was hard to believe that the exact same starting XI that had so much difficulty in breaking down North Korea were actually playing quite creative football against the much tougher Ivory Coast. Brazil recovered certain elements of their game that for a long time had been their trademarks and now appeared to be lost. For the first time, they were able to invent consistently while respecting Dunga's disciplined approach and defensive focus.

Luis Fabiano's first strike, a missile that goalkeeper Boubacar Barry barely saw, gave the team some badly needed confidence. In this case, the goal did not arrive through a set piece or a counter-attack but was the outcome of a well-built offensive play in which Kaka did well to get rid of two defenders and ended up setting up O Fabuloso.

This play could prove instrumental for Brazil's development during the rest of the tournament, as it put an end to Luis Fabiano's six-match drought with the national team, and gave Kaka the confidence to keep going at defenders and create chances for his team-mates after putting in some subpar displays following his injury.

"Nothing better than talent to break a good defence," Brazilian legend Tostao told Folha de Sao Paulo after the match. "The first goal was key for Brazil to dominate the flow of the game."

And, indeed, from that point onwards Brazil took control of the match, and kept possession, even if at times not making too much of an effort to go forward. At the beginning of the second half, just as Ivory Coast were starting to show signs of waking up, Luis Fabiano scored one of those goals that will be shown in every single 'Best Goals of the World Cup' programme from now on.

The fact that he controlled the ball with his arm was surprisingly overlooked by French referee Stephane Lannoy, but his amazing piece of skill with both legs (right to dribble two players, left to finish emphatically) deserved a goal. "When our players score using their hands, they do it much better than the Argentineans," Estado de Sao Paulo writer Marcos Caetano said, comparing Luis Fabiano's goal with Diego Maradona's against England in 1986, and not wasting the chance to provoke Brazil's archrivals.

After watching their first-choice striker grab the match by the scruff of the neck, the team felt so self-assured that they started to show a hitherto unknown passing game, taking advantage of Ivory Coast's apparent shock. The third goal duly arrived, again as a result of great link-up play, and delivered by Kaka to Elano, in another example of the confidence recovered by Brazil's iconic playmaker.

Once 3-0 up and with the match effectively over, Brazil made one of their few mistakes: Ivory Coast started to increase their physical aggressiveness on the pitch, especially after Kader Keita and Romaric entered the game, and the Brazilians did not keep their cool. In an unfitting finale given his excellent performance, Kaka was sent off after seeing his second booking for lightly pushing Keita away from the ball.

Dunga vented his frustration during the press conference: "It's difficult to play artistic football when the referee lets strong tackling and dirty faults go unpunished, as it was the case this evening."

Despite the disappointing ending for the Brazilians, seeing his biggest star red-carded and suffering an unexpected goal from Didier Drogba, this match gave a more optimistic feel to the campaign of the verde-amarela in this World Cup. Against a powerful opponent, the side reinforced their identity: the synchronisation between the back four is almost perfect, the defensive coverage provided by the midfielders to the full backs - especially to the impressive Maicon - happens with Swiss precision, and the forwards' talent appears often enough.

However, they have just added another weapon to their repertoire: the ability to manage the flow of the match with the ball, which makes them an even bigger candidate for the title than they already were.

"To most of the Brazilian journalists, this was the most difficult match of the first phase, and Brazil played their best football in a while. They have earned the right to dream of the title,"ESPN Brasil analyst Paulo Vinicius Coelho said. As is the case with any great side, one poor match can create national panic in Brazil, but a good showing puts the whole country in heaven - at least for another four days.

Brazil win to secure last 16 place

Brazil progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup with an efficient rather than effervescent performance against a subdued Ivory Coast.

The scoreline may suggest otherwise but the South Americans lacked the vintage Brazilian sparkle - although they produced moments of brilliance during an incident-packed second-half.

Luis Fabiano scored twice - a fine first-half strike, then a second goal with a dubious hint of handball - and Elano slotted in ahead of Didier Drogba's headed consolation.

But it was a mixed evening for Brazil's playmaker Kaka, who was harshly sent off late in the game after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

Kaka saw yellow in the 85th minute for pushing Yaya Toure and a minute later was sent from the field when Abdelkader Keita collapsed holding his face after an innocuous collision between the players which did not warrant a booking.

Prior to that, Kaka - who in the build-up had been the focus of much speculation regarding his lack of form - showed glimpses of the player who was named World Footballer of the Year back in 2007.

He put Luis Fabiano through for the striker's beautifully-taken opening goal and played a role in Elano's second-half strike which sealed Brazil's victory.

Drogba, a mere 16 days after breaking his elbow, started for the Ivory Coast to spearhead an attacking 4-3-3 formation, but the Africans added little oomph to the proceedings.

The Elephants manager Sven-Goran Eriksson had predicted his team would "create a surprise", yet there was little hope of that as they defended deep and allowed Brazil to play at their own pace.

There had been signs over the last few days that the World Cup had moved up a gear, but this game started with the tentativeness which had marred previous matches.

Luis Fabiano's goal thankfully lit up the first half. The Sevilla striker's back-heel to Kaka sparked a nice one-two which finished with a venomous shot into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Ivory Coast changed their formation after the break with Drogba playing on his own in front of a five-man midfield, but they soon had a mountain to climb as Luis Fabiano struck again.

The striker flicked the ball over one defender, jinked beyond another to clinically finish with a left-footed shot from close range. There was suspicion of handball in his final movement but there were little complaints from Ivory Coast.

Brazil upped the tempo on the hour and Kaka should have finished the best move of the match with a goal but instead he shot straight at Boubacar Copa.

He made amends moments later as he shimmied past a couple of defenders and passed across goal for Elano to side-foot home for his second goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes before the end, Yaya Toure's ball over the top found Drogba who headed home into the corner for a goal which could prove to be significant to Ivory Coast's hopes of qualifying.

Pre-game: Brazil vs. Ivory Coast

Day 10, Match 3

Brazil vs. Ivory Coast, Group G

Date and Location

June 20, Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

What's at stake

Brazil leads the group with three points following a 2-1 win over last-place North Korea. The Ivory Coast and Portugal battled to a 0-0 draw and are tied for second with one point apiece.

If the Portugal-North Korea match doesn't produce a winner, Brazil could wrap up a spot in the second round with a win in this game. A victory, or even a draw, would still allow them to retain their hold on first place and put them in a pretty strong position going into the final round of group games.

Portugal is expected to beat North Korea (and if they do, they'll have four points) so this really is a game that the Ivory Coast can't lose. They need to collect three points in order to have a realistic chance of claiming a second-round berth.

Suspension watch

Midfielder Ramires earned a yellow card in Brazil's previous match. If he picks one up against the Ivory Coast , he will be suspended for his country’s final game of the group stage.

Defender Guy Demel and Didier Zokora are in a similar predicament for the Ivory Coast.

Kaka – The Real Madrid playmaker is coming off an pretty average season and didn't exactly shine in Brazil's win over North Korea. People are starting to question whether he's still among the elite players in the wrld. A strong outing against the Ivorians would help silence the critics.Player to watch for Brazil

Player to watch for Ivory Coast

Didier Drogba —He came on as a substitute against Portugal while wearing a protective cast on his broken arm against Portugal but couldn't inspire his team. If he plays against Brazil, look for the Chelsea star to make something happen inside the box.

Key matchup

Yaya Toure vs. Kaka —In one-on-one situations, the Ivorian midfielder's physical attributes give him an edge. Toure is a tower of solid muscle and boundless strength, and he'll need every ounce of it to stop Kaka, who is looking to break out at this tournament.

The Brazilian perspective

"There is a difference when you play against the biggest teams, they go for the game, they want to win also and then that opens the game up." - midfielder Gilberto Silva

The Ivory Coast perspective

"We have to play the same as we did against Portugal: compact, as a unit, and to battle for every ball. We must on no account allow Brazil to play their natural game." –forward Salomon Kalou

All time head-to-head

Brazil and the Ivory Coast have never met at in international play at senior level.

Brazil global favourites to win World Cup: Poll

Spain may be the bookies' favourite to win the 2010 World Cup, but Brazil remains by far the world's most popular team, an international survey reveals.

The 22-nation opinion poll, conducted prior to the tournament kickoff by the US-based Pew Research Center, shows Brazil is the people's favourite in 14 countries, including three whose own teams are playing in the Cup. Of the rest, support for Brazil is next only to their home teams. The poll results were released on Thursday.

In India, 19% of the respondents felt Brazil would win. However, the poor understanding of football among Indians in general came through in the poll with Australia being the next-favoured team — 14% of respondents said the country had the best chance of winning the Cup. Australia was the second favourite in Pakistan as well.

Among countries playing in the Cup, Brazilians were the most confident of their team's chances — 75% of respondents in Brazil predicted their country would be the eventual victors. Self-confidence was also high in Spain, where 58% saw a Spanish victory in this year's Cup, followed by Argentina (43%), Germany (36%) and Nigeria (35%).

In Britain, just 20% felt England would emerge as world champions. Almost an equal number of Britons felt Brazil would win (18%). Similarly, Brazil was nearly as popular a pick in France (22%) and the US (12%) as was the home country. It was the overwhelming favourite in South Korea (43%) and China (31%).

The Japanese were the least confident of their team's chances with just 4% thinking their country will win the World Cup. South Koreans, who co-hosted the 2002 World Cup with Japan, also had low expectations of their team, as did Americans; only 11% and 13%, respectively, named their own countries when asked who will win this years tournament.

After Brazil, most people named Spain and Argentina as most likely to win the tournament.

The poll was part of Pew Research Center's global attitudes survey.

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Maicon wonder goal fires Brazil to victory

On a night where the sub-zero chill seeped into every sinew, Brazil struggled to warm the senses as their bid for a sixth World Cup began with a narrow victory. North Korea, making their first World Cup appearance since 1966, offered solid resistance in the first half but appeared to be wilting in the second following goals from Maicon and Elano. But as the match entered injury time they earned a consolation for their unceasing commitment when Yun-nam Ji ghosted past two defenders and fired in.

North Korea lined up with five at the back, with Ri Jun-il as a marshalling sweeper and An Yong-hak as the chief protector in central midfield. The system, as closed as the country itself, had worked well in qualification, where the Koreans kept 10 clean sheets, but it was put under immediate pressure in the opening five minutes.

First Robinho lollipopped down the left before nutmegging Jong Hyok-cha and passing to Kaká, only for Brazil's No10 to be tackled as he lined up to shoot. Then Elano's shot from distance flew over the bar. The pressure continued to build as Robinho – showing plenty of early energy – cut inside before shooting wide from a central position.

But as the half went on, the North Koreans grew more comfortable and while Brazil had more possession – 66% to 34% according to the official Fifa stats – it became apparent that this would not be the walkover football's World Cup casuals, the folk who swallow the myth of joga bonito neat every four years, had assumed.

The North Korean keeper Ri Myong-guk had amazingly little to do. A Maicon chip floated into his arms. A Robinho shot was safely held. And only a curling shot from Maicon from the right flank, which he pushed unconvincingly wide, seemed to trouble him. But most Brazilian efforts seem to fly high over his bar.

Brazil's coach, Dunga, has been a pragmatist per excellence in charge of the seleção, and there was no change of his approach for this game: again he employed a 4-5-1 formation with Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo sitting in central midfield and Elano, Kaká and Robinho behind the lone striker Luís Fabiano.

But with Silva and Melo failing to break beyond the strikers, and Kaká struggling to find his best form, it was left to the full-backs Maicon and Michel Bastos – who often plays as an attacking midfielder for his club side Lyon – and a seemingly revitalised Robinho to carry the attack. Indeed Robinho was Brazil's best player, looking far sharper than he did at Manchester City earlier in the season and delighting the crowd with his tricks and interlinking play.

Perhaps we should not have been surprised that Brazil struggled to break down North Korea. In qualification Brazil took only one point against Bolivia, who also play five at the back, and six of their 18 qualifying matches finished 0-0.

In the build-up much of the media attention was focused of Jong Tae-Se, the North Korean striker who plays in the J-League, drives a humvee and is nicknamed "Inminui Rooney" – the People's Rooney.

He did not disappoint. When his anthem was played he was in floods of tears, apparently overwhelmed by emotion. And he was North Korea's main attacking threat in the first half, dribbling cleverly past Maicon before, much to the excitement of his team's 100-or-so fans in the stadium, shooting high past the far post.

Despite needing treatment for cut on his thigh after a collision with Maicon, Jong Tae-Se continued to be muscular and robust in leading the line. And on the half hour he boldly took on Lucio and won a corner from which Kwang Chon-ri shot wide.

But even on these rare occasions when Korea entered Brazil's half their organisation was apparent, with coach Jong Hun Kim ensuring his side kept four men back at all times.

At the start of the second half, Brazil were given the opportunity to open the scoring when Pak Chol-jin was wrongly adjudged to have brought down Kaká just outside the area. However Michel Bastos's shot, though hard and true, flew five yards wide. Two minutes later, Robinho chanced his arm from a similar distance but his shot failed to find the target by a similar margin.

But Brazil finally found a way through after 55 minutes when the overlapping Maicon took Kaká's pass and, from what looked like an impossible angle on the touchline, curled a low shot into the far corner. As Maicon celebrated, the Korean keeper Ri – who had left a gap by his near post – lay prostrate on the turf , his face one of howled anguish.

Ri had more problems a few minutes later, unconfidently parrying another Bastos shot from distance. And Luís Fabiano really should have made it 2-0 just after the hour when he chested down Robinho's pass only to shoot over.

But the second goal eventually came on 72 minutes when Robinho's pass bisected four defenders and Elano ended his clever back-post run by slotting it across the advancing Ri.

At this stage it threatened to turn into a rout. More Brazil chances came and went, with North Korea rarely getting the ball into their opponent's half until, just before full-time, Yun's shot powered home – much to his, and his coach's delight.

In the context of the tournament, where few teams have laid down a marker, Brazil will be happy with this win. But tougher tests lie ahead, starting with Ivory Coast next week.

© Guardian News and Media 2010

Champion Brazil begins Winning march...

Brazil secured a 2-1 win against Korea DPR but they were made to work extremely hard to secure maximum points after the Asian outsiders showed impressive resilience. The Koreans kept the Brazilians scoreless until ten minutes into the second half when Maicon scored a stunning goal from an outrageous angle. Elano doubled the lead midway through the second half and it appeared all over, but a late goal from Ji Yun Nam saw Brazil endure some nervy moments in the final minutes.

On paper the contrast between the pair could not have been starker in what was the first match between the two nations. Five-time world champions Brazil, are currently placed at the top of FIFA Coca-Cola World Ranking while Korea sit at 105. The Koreans coming into the contest on a run of eight outings without a victory, while Brazil conversely, had won their previous four matches.

The first half was largely all Brazil though they had very few clear sights of goal and Korea DPR weren’t without their own lively moments going forward. Defender Cha Jong Hyok fired a shot well wide while Japan-based striker, Jong Tae-Se, who had tears streaming down his face as the national anthem played, looked particularly keen to offer drive in his role at the point of the attack.

Kaka made a dangerous run into the penalty in the opening minutes in what seemed likely to set the tone for the match, but a Korean side which conceded just seven goals in their 14 qualifying matches are known for their swarming defence in their own third.

The nearest Brazil came to scoring in the first half was a Michel Bastos drive from distance which clipped the roof of the net but in truth the shot never looked like dipping under the crossbar.

Korea DPR went into the half-time interval looking relatively comfortable despite conceding 63 per cent of possession. No doubt the Koreans allowed themselves at least brief thoughts of repeating the heroics of their nation’s famous defeat of Italy at England 1966.

Brazil opened the second half brightly and a Bastos’ free-kick from a central position early in the second period looked dangerous but the blistering effort curved wide of the mark. Robinho did likewise with a snapshot moments later with Brazil often forced to resort to shooting from distance.

Ten minutes after the interval came the game-breaker and it took a moment of brilliance from Maicon to break the deadlock. There appeared little danger as he chased down a slightly overhit pass into the penalty area and with the ball just about to roll over the byline, Maicon blazed a shot between Ri Myong Guk and the near post, in a goal reminiscent of fellow right full-back Josimar at Mexico 1986.

The goal opened up the match as the Koreans started to show more endeavour with numbers going forward. Luis Fabiano looked set to take advantage midway through the second half after being set up by Robinho but could not find the target.

The contest appeared over as Elano comfortably finished past an exposed Ri Myong Guk with 18 minutes remaining, with Robinho providing an exquisite pass that checkmated the entire Korean defensive quartet.

It was A Selecao who looked more likely to score but with two minutes remaining Ji Yun Nam burst into the penalty area and drove past Julio Cesar with a memorable strike for Korea DPR's first goal at a FIFA World Cup™ for 44 years.

Match Summary

1. 
   FULL-TIMEBrazil 2-1 North Korea
2. 88 minsGOALBrazil 2-1 North Korea

   Wow. Hope for North Korea? A clever long ball is headed into the path of Ji Yun-nam, and he steadies himself before firing past the diving Julio Cesar. They've got time to get an equaliser too...

3. 87 mins

   Hang on, here come the North Koreans - breaking clear too. Jong
   Tae-se is running in on goal and about to let fly but Juan gets a foot in to make a timely tackle.

4. 84 mins

   Nilmar and Felipe Melo have both just let fly from outside the box but they will have to do better than that to beat Ri Myong-guk, who has had a busy night but acquitted himself well. He's probably not used to Brazilians firing in shots at him every five minutes to be fair.

5. 

   BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Ellis Park

   via Twitter: "What a goal. That's magnificent - Robinho to Elano. Bet Man City fans are delighted to see that combination doing so well."

6. 75 minsSUBSTITUTION

   After a lovely little dance of celebration, Elano leaves the field to be replaced by Daniel. A decent night's work for him. North Korea need to be careful here - they still have a lot more defending to keep the score down before the end of this one.

7. 72 minsGOALBrazil 2-0 North Korea

   Former Manchester City team-mates Robinho and Elano link up to score a goal of devastating ease - Robinho's slide-rule pass finds Elano running into the area, and he slots home with a cool first-time finish. Game over - there is no way back for the North Koreans now.

8. 71 mins

   A few of you are questioning whether Maicon meant his goal but I have absolutely no doubts that was exactly what he intended - his eyes and the whole shape of his body show that was no fluke.

9. 69 mins

   It's difficult to see North Korea coming back from this - their whole gameplan has been set up around keeping Brazil out. Jong Tae-se is probably their best hope of finding an equaliser, but he has just had what I will describe as a speculative effort on goal.

10. 64 mins

    It should really be 2-0 to Brazil. Kaka and Robinho link up with some tidy passes down the left - we haven't seen enough of that tonight - and find Luis Fabiano, who takes the ball down well enough inside the area but rather snatches at his shot and fires high over the bar.

11. 

    BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Ellis Park

    via Twitter: "Brazilian full-backs scoring crazy goals? Must be a World Cup. Wow/hmm."

12. 60 mins

    Brazil obviously are not going to settle for just one goal and they are pouring forward again. Ri Myong-guk rather nervously punches away a rasping shot by Michel Bastos, but gets away with it.

13. GOALBrazil 1-0 North Korea (Maicon)

    It''s been a long time coming but we've just seen one of those classic Brazil goals that deserve repeated viewings. Elano releases Maicon on the overlap inside the area - it looks like he will pull the ball back from near the by-line and that is what Ri Myong-guk is expecting... instead, Maicon bends the ball with the outside of his right boot and it flies between the goalkeeper and his near post and nestles in the net. A goal of real beauty.

14. 53 mins

    Robinho has just had his best effort of the night, it was only a snap-shot but it would probably have troubled Ri Myong-guk... if it had been on target. Instead, it flies wide. These Brazil attacks keep on coming, but they still have nothing to show for all this pressure.

15. 51 mins

    Elano is standing over it but it is Michel Bastos who lets fly... he gets plenty of power in his shot but it zips wide of Ri Myong-guk's right-hand post.

16. 50 mins

    Pak Chol-jin tangles with Kaka on the edge of the area and the referee awards Brazil in a very dangerous position...

17. 

    BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Ellis Park

    via Twitter: "Is it too early to suggest this Brazil team isn't going to enthrall us at the World Cup? Are Germany really the best team to watch on earth?"

18. 47 mins

    I think Elano has had more shots than any other Brazilian tonight - and he has their opening pot-shot of the second half too... which is blocked by a defender.

19. 20:30

    No changes from either side at the break. North Korea have time for a quick on-pitch huddle before Brazil get the second half started.

20. Twitter

    From ojl: "Seriously impressed by North Korea. It feels a bit wrong to support them, but it's funny to see the Brazilians so frustrated."

21. 20:24

    Our friends at Infostrada Sports tell us that Brazil have scored at least once in their last 22 matches in the group stage, dating back to 1978 when they had a goalless draw against Spain.

22. 

    BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Ellis Park

    "No goals, but what a captivating, compelling half of football that was - everyone inside Ellis Park was absorbed for its entirety. Who'd have thought a half-time 0-0 would bring this World Cup to life? Brazil, so often accused of being dour under Dunga, are desperately lacking a spark."

23. 20:20

    Um, it's fair to say that this game has not gone as expected so far. North Korea have defended well and in numbers and their strategy is working. Brazil cannot get the ball to Luis Fabiano in any threatening positions and have largely been restricted to shots from distance.

24. SMS

    Luke from London: "Brazil look really really bored in the main. The pace of their game is killing their chances, build-up is pitifully slow and it's letting North Korea get everyone behind the ball."

25. HALF-TIMEBrazil 0-0 North Korea
26. 41 mins

    Heavy, heavy pressure from Brazil, but North Korea are first to every ball that is pumped into their area at the moment, It looks like Dunga will have to have a rethink about his strategy at half-time.

27. 

    BBC Radio 5 live's David Moyes

    "It is interesting to see that Brazil, when they're defending, are doing so with six players and it's giving North Korea opportunities. North Korea look like they've got good players. An Yong Hak has done well and the centre forward Jong Tae Se has been really positive when they've got the ball. You've got to give them a lot of credit, they look well organised."

28. 36 mins

    Michel Bastos sees a powerful goalbound shot from the edge of the area deflect off Pak Chol-jin and fly over, but referee Viktor Kassai gives a goal-kick. Nothing is going Brazil's way at the moment.

29. SMS

    From James: "North Korea are doing well. It's just like watching Brazil."

30. 33 mins

    Er, this wasn't in the script was it? North Korea force their first corner and it is only half cleared - the ball is pulled back to Ji Yun-nam on the edge of the area but his first-time shot trickles wide. He should have done better there actually.

31. 30 mins

    Maicon has a bending shot pushed round the post and Elano's corner is cleared. North Korea can be pleased with their showing in their first half-hour at a World Cup finals for 44 years... I guess the spirit of '66 lives on (so far).

32. 

    BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Ellis Park

    "This isn't quite as one-sided as we were led to believe, is it? Brazil may have had a fair few shooting opportunities already, but the North Koreans look super lively in the final third too and in Jong Tae-se they have a man with the confidence to take players in yellow on - and beat them. Have we got a game on here?"

33. SMS

    From Brent, Kiwi in London: "Anybody else hoping North Korea can pull it off? Day of the underdog."

34. 23 mins

    Luis Fabiano finds Robinho in the box and he turns neatly before firing straight at Ri Myong-guk. Is it me, or does Robinho appear to be putting in a little more effort so far tonight than he did during his time at Manchester City?

35. 20 mins

    Blimey. Anyone remember Pele's attempted lob from the half-way line against Czechoslovakia in the 1970 World Cup? Mun In-guk has just tried something similar for North Korea... it didn't trouble Julio Cesar - but Pele failed too, remember...

36. 18 mins

    Cha Jong-hyok is the latest North Korean to try his luck, cutting inside from the right but seeing his shot swerve away, rather than towards, goal. It appears that Kim Jong-hun's side have not just come here to defend.

37. 15 mins

    More pressure, predictably, from Brazil. Elano has just had another effort saved, and Robinho has added backheels to the stepovers he showed us earlier - but North Korea are well organised and holding out.

38. 

    BBC Radio 5 live's David Moyes

    "It's interesting to see that North Korea have started with three at the back as there aren't many teams in international football who do that. Brazil look like they're going to have an awful lot of the ball. It's like a night in Glasgow with the weather here!"

39. 13 mins

    North Korea have just had their first effort on goal too. Their star striker Jong Tae-se has predicted he will score in every game at this World Cup and does well here to create space for a low shot from the right-hand side of the area... but it is easily dealt with by Julio Cesar.

40. 8 mins

    The Brazilians' first shot on goal of this World Cup comes from Elano, who cuts in from the right and flashes a rising shot wide. It's not long until Robinho has their second effort too - showing off those quick feet of his to make space on the edge of the area but firing the wrong side of the post.

41. 6 mins

    Well, North Korea have survived the first six minutes, and even got in the Brazil box briefly too, before Jong Tae-se's control lets him down. I wouldn't exactly call this promising for them though - as feared, it might be a long old night for coach Kim Jong-hun.
    

42. 3 mins

    Robinho gets his first step-overs of the World Cup in early and links up with Kaka inside the area and Brazil are looking dangerous already. but North Korea have enough men back to clear the danger. I hope the Brazilians show us all their tricks tonight.

43. 19:30KICK-OFFBrazil v North Korea

    North Korea have just got us under way. One of these teams is ranked number one in the world, the other is number 105. I hope you know which is which.

44. 19:29

    Give this page a cheeky manual refresh - kick-off is seconds away.

45. 19:26

    Anthem time. Brazil go first and now it's North Korea's turn... I'm not so familar with this one to be honest but I'm pleased to see they are all singing along - in Jong Tae Se is in floods of tears. Emotional stuff - what World Cups are all about.

46. 19:23

    Both sides are in the tunnel, waiting to emerge. The North Koreans look a bit pensive but I hope they enjoy themselves tonight. No humilations, please.

47. 19:21

    From the pictures I'm seeing of Ellis Park, the Brazilian fans at the game are going to have a party tonight whatever happens. Having said that, they might just be jumping around to keep warm.

48. 19:17

    I'm told that North Korea only played six times outside their homeland between 1966 and 2009 so I'd be very impressed if any of you have seen them play. More importantly, if you have, what can you tell me about them?

49. Twitter

    From jamessagward: "Group G too shock us all tonight, North Korea to get a result! 1-1! Brazil to go through though!"

50. 19:12

    The most famous football team on the planet against the least-known and most secretive. If North Korea beat Brazil tonight, will it be the biggest shock in the history of the World Cup? And do any of you think they can do it?

51. North Korea coach Kim Jong Hun

    "What I know about Brazil is that it has some of the world's most famous players. But our players are very skilled. They don't lag behind any player in the world."

52. 

    BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson at Ellis Park

    "Got to be honest, this isn't quite what I expected from an African World Cup - it's absolutely Arctic in Johannesburg tonight. The Brrrrazilians have all donned gloves for their warm-up and some of them scarves too. And I don't blame them. What an ovation for Kaka, by the way."

53. Brazil midfielder Kaka

    "We watched a few videos on North Korea, but we know that against Brazil all the teams play differently, so we will have to wait and see. There is always the anxiety of the first match, but we have to play like Brazil usually plays and we should be all right."

54. Twitter

    From GDEwing: "This could be the best or worst game of the tournament so far. Hope Brazil have their shooting boots on."

55. 19:01

    You know the score by now (and no, I am not referring to the number of 0-0s in this tournament so far) but, if you don't, this is the lowdown on reaching me in Cape Town: Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on Twitter @chrisbevan_bbc or join the chat on 606.
    

56. Brazil v North Korea team news

    There are no surprises in the Brazil line-up as Kaka and Robinho lead a full-strength side. Goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who injured his back in training ahead of the tournament, starts while Luis Fabiano has also recovered from a thigh injury.

    North Korea start their first World Cup finals match since 1966 with a defensive looking line-up. Coach Kim Jong Hun has opted to play five in defence with
    Jong Tae Se as a lone striker.

57. 18:53

    As five-time winners, there's not a lot that Brazil haven't encountered in World Cups before but even they are entering the unknown tonight - precious little is known about their opponents North Korea, who have left four of their squad off the bench for their opening game. And no, I have no idea why.

58. 18:51

    Hello, I'm Chris Bevan in Cape Town and, yes, this is the moment I've been waiting for too. The 2010 World Cup has admittedly got off to a slow start so far but hopefully that will change tonight when Brazil arrive at the party.

59. 18:47

    Right, it's over to Chris Bevan in South Africa, who will take you through until the final whistle. Thanks for your company and I'll see you on a World Cup website in the very near future.

60. 18:46

    I hope all of you have been taking lots of photos with as many World Cup stars as possible in our World Cup album. Funnily enough, we're a little short of North Korea photos, although Dan has kicked things off with a belter, although it's not exactly by the rules. So get snapping and send them to us at worldcupphotoalbum@bbc.co.uk to feature in our World Cup Photo Album. England is complete, but we have other team spaces to fill, like Brazil.

61. 18:40

    So tonight we shall get our first glance of North Korea's Wayne Rooney, or Jong Tae-se as he is known to his comrades. The Japanese-born star has an interesting background after relinquishing his South Korea passport in favour of the north - despite never having set foot in the country. He loves the fact that he has been compared with Rooney, although he saysDidier Drogba is his idol.

62. 18:37

    Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Felipe Melo, Michel Bastos, Elano, Gilberto Silva, Luis Fabiano, Kaka, Robinho

    North Korea: Ri Myong-guk, Cha Jong-hyok, Ri Jun-il, Pak Nam-chol, Ri Kwang-chon, Pak Chol-jin, An Yong-hak, Ji Yun-nam, Mun In-guk, Hong Yong-jo, Jong Tae-se.

63. 

    BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson

    "Noisy lot, aren't they? No, not the Brazilians, thought they are trying to party in the cold - but the small and happy band of North Korea fans at Ellis Park. Beaming smiles and rhythmic clapping is helping to kepp them warm and the media pack suitably entertained."

64. 18:31

    Breaking news - Brazil manager Dunga has named Kaka and Robinho in a full-strength line-up to face North Korea at Ellis Park. Teams to follow.

65. SMS

    From Anon: "After today's two depressingly poor games, I'm looking forward to watching the mighty Brazil! Should be a lesson is skill."

66. 18:28

    There are lots of Chinese nationals in Johannesbug acting as North Korean fans by proxy. Turns out the North Korean sports ministry authorised a Chinese sports PR agency to sell tickets for the game as few North Koreans could afford the journey or receive visas to leave the country, with lots of "volunteers" snapping up the tickets.

67. 18:22

    State media in North Korea say the country's leader, Kim Jong-il, has given the team advice on tactics ahead of the match. Whether this involved advice on how to close down attacking right-back Maicon or man-mark Kaka remains unclear. Meanwhile, BBC correspondents say North Koreans are expected to be able to watch a recorded version of the game, but will not be able to watch the game live because of a dispute with the broadcaster showing the matches on the Korean peninsula.
    

68. SMS

    From Alastair in Ryde, IOW: "If Brazil don't score at least four tonight, i'll eat my hat. And my cat."

69. SMS

    From Will in Norwich: "Just wondering if any members of the German team moaned about the ball? Seems unlikely to me!"

70. 18:07

    So what do we know about the North Koreans? Errrrr, not very much but BBC Sport's Mike Henson dug deep to find out more about the mysterious Chollima, the nickname of Kim Jong-hun's team. You can also discover more about the most clandestine football team on our planet on our newly launched player profiles of every single player and manager at this magnificent overload of football in South Africa.

71. SMS

    From Anon: "Well done for North Korea for getting this far but I have a feeling it’s going to be who whitewashes them the worst that's going to be 1 and 2 in this group."

72. 17:53

    OK, so this tournament hasn't exactly set the pulses racing (mine was positively flatlining watching Algeria v Slovenia on Sunday), but it's time for Brazil, a country synonymous with joga bonito, nutmegging defenders, tree trunk-like thighs, silly haircuts and baby-swinging goal celebrations. And Kaka absolutely loves this Jabulani ball after planting a second-most-expensive-player-in-the-world smacker right on its perfectly spherical exterior the other day. Which means goals will fly in from all corners. I hope.

73. Twitter

    From InfostradaLive: "First 13 matches of the #worldcup What’s happening? have produced only 20 goals for an average of 1.54 goals per match. The record low was set in 1990 (2.21)."

74. 17:44

    So a walkover or a shock of earth-shattering proportions? Or another draw involving players moaning incessantly about Jabulani and its erratic behaviour? Right-back Glen Johnson said some of the England players had problems attempting to curl the ball from right to left with the in-step of their boots, only to see the ball balloon in the opposite direction. Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide) on your thoughts or you can always vent your spleens on 606.

75. 17:40

    So the last time these two teams played at the same World Cup, Brazil were knocked out in the group stages (the last time the Selecao exited the competition at that stage) while North Korea advanced into the quarter-finals after shocking those "aristocrats" of Italy 1-0 at Ayresome Park (ask yer dad kids), courtesy of Pak Doo-ik's winner. Incidentally, that match was the first ever game of football watched by comedian and Middlesbrough fan Bob Mortimer. Oh yeah, and England won the World Cup. Guess the year.

76. 606

    dazzlingdublinblue on 606: "What's the equivalent of samba in North Korea?"

77. 17:32

    Boa tarde, tudo bem? Or ahn nyeong ha se yo if you're from the shores of North Korea, which is probably pretty unlikely. I'm Pranav Soneji, your guide for the next 90 minutes or so as we look ahead to Johannesburg for our first glimpse of Kim Jong-hun's North Korea as they take on five-time champions and the best samba dancers in South Africa, Brazil, for the second game of Group G. I'm so happy I could breakdance.