Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)
LINEUPS:
Portugal (433): Eduardo, Costa, Coentrao, Carvalho, B Alves, Mendes, Tiago, Meireles (Miguel 80'), Ronaldo (Amorim 78'), Almeida, Danny (Veloso 62')
Brazil (451): Cesar, Maicon, Bastos, Lucio, Juan, Silva (Josue 45'), Melo, D Alves (Kleberson 72'), Fabiano, Kaka, Robinho (Grafite 76')
Portugal had their backs to the wall in the opening fifteen minutes, bravely blocking shots from Robinho and Fabiano before the latter put another chance over the bar. After this chance Eduardo's goal kick started things moving the other way, with Costa riding his luck on a heavily deflected pass that went behind for a corner. On the set piece Meireles's header was blocked but Hugo Almeida, who started the match in place of the suspended Simao, roofed the loose ball.
The first half continued with Portugal getting in the way of Brazilian chances, including a third effort from Fabiano that deflected behind. When the South Americans did have a clear look at goal Kaka headed wide. At halftime Brazil took off Gilberto Silva after he had picked up a knock and his replacement Josue started the first real attack ten minutes into the second period when he first intercepted a pass and then crossed for Kaka to shoot at the keeper without power.
Portugal's chance to double their lead came in the 67th minute when Meireles found Almeida in a prime spot but his effort proved to be an easy save for Cesar. From then on the game lost the rest of it's gusto and the teams played out the 1-0 win for Portugal to put both sides through to the second round.
Portugal 1 - 0 Brazil
Goalscorers:
POR Almeida 17'
Discipline:
BRA Melo 2'
POR Danny 13'
Man of the Match:
POR Tiago / BRA Maicon
GROUP G | ||||||||
Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
Brazil | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 6 |
Portugal | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 5 |
Cote d'Ivoire | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
North Korea | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 1 |
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