16 June,2010 08:44 AM IST | | Agencies
Brazil right-back Maicon declared that he intended to beat North Korean goalkeeper Myong-Guk Ri at his near post, after putting the South American's ahead with a spectacular curled effort.
The Inter man set his country on their path to victory in the 55 minute, having been largely contained by a committed North Korean side.
Instantly, watchers will have been reminded of legendary Brazilian strikes such as Roberto Carlos' against France in Le Tournoi, ahead of the World Cup finals, and although the footballing world will have been left stunned by his effort, he insisted that it was no fluke, and that he fully intended to score.
"I made a similar goal against Portugal (friendly match, Brazil 6-2)," Maicon confirmed after the match. "I got to the ball already tired, and thinking about shooting the ball." The former Monaco full-back went on to claim the much-maligned Jabulani ball may have helped him convert Brazil's opener and insisted that the Selecao are desperate to achieve their objective of reaching the World Cup final.
"The ball is favourable to us. It is fantastic. It is difficult for the goalkeepers though and that it is the truth. My objective is to help the team and score a goal if possible."
