Big clash between Brazil and Portugal ends in a drab, goalless affair; Both make Round two

Magic's missing

Big clash between Brazil and Portugal ends in a drab, goalless affair; both make Round two

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (right) vies for possession with Brazil's Gilberto Silva during their Group G match at Durban yesterday.
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Brazil clinched top spot while the Portuguese got the point they needed to finish second in the standings to also progress to the last 16 ahead of the Ivory Coast, who defeated North Korea.

The Brazilians will play the runners-up of Group H in their next game while Portugal will take on the winners from that pool. Much was expected from the match at a packed Moses Mabhida stadium with both sides possessing plenty of flair and despite an electric atmosphere with the Brazilian fans far outnumbering the Portuguese supporters, there was little action on the pitch.

Brazil had the best chance to claim their third win in as many games on the half-hour mark but Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo made an outstanding save to deny Nilmar from close range.

Portugal should have gone in front before the hour mark, but Raul Meireles struck just wide from five yards after a great run from Cristiano Ronaldo. A game expected to be full of attacking football instead had seven yellow cards handed out in a first half controlled by Brazil.

Portugal came to life after the re-start but failed to test Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz made four changes to the side that thrashed North Korea 7-0, while the Brazilians were without suspended Kaka and injured Elano in midfield.

As expected, Julio Baptista replaced Kaka while coach Dunga surprisingly left Robinho out of the starting XI and opted to play Nilmar alongside Luis Fabiano up front. Brazil earned two corners in the opening minutes and had the first chance in the fifth minute.

Key Moments

30th minute
Brazil almost took the lead after a ball was whipped into the box from the right. Nilmar headed the ball on target but an excellent save from Eduardo denied the Brazilians from taking the lead.

39th minute
Nilmar pulled a terrific little sombrero to get past Portugal defender Ricardo Costa, but half-volleyed the shot went well wide.

60th minute
A great run from Cristiano Ronaldo. He undressed Lucio, who knocked the ball away -- right to the onrushing Raul Meierles. Only a great diving save by Julio Cesar barely prevented a goal -- he redirected the ball by perhaps three inches, but it was just enough.

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