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| Tuesday, 15 June 2010 20:50 |
Opposition watch: Brazil hold off spirited North KoreaBrazil 2-1 North Korea South American champions Brazil have taken early control of Group G after making tough work of a surprisingly competitive North Korea side in Johannesburg. Second-half goals from Maicon and Elano (pictured) were enough for Brazil, who survived Ji Yun Nam’s late consolation to claim all three points.
The North Koreans managed to hold their more illustrious opponents at bay during the first half with an organised and committed display, while their cautious approach was complimented by a genuine threat on the break, particularly through the running of the lively Jong Tae-Se. Having dominated possession throughout, Brazil managed to step up the tempo after the break and the deadlock was broken ten minutes into the second period when Maicon took advantage of poor positioning from the Korean goalkeeper Myong Guk to fire in from a tight angle. The second was a goal far more worthy of Brazil’s reputation as Robinho found Elano with a beautifully weighted pass for the Galatasaray man to finish with his right foot. North Korea refused to let their heads drop after the setback, however, and were rewarded for their efforts with Nam’s strike two minutes from the end of normal time. So Brazil take charge of the section ahead of their meeting with Ivory Coast on Sunday evening, while Portugal’s tussle with North Korea the following say suddenly appears a more testing encounter than had perhaps previously been anticipated. Keep up to date with all the latest news on Portuguese football with the new PortuGOAL Twitter! |
Our goalie wasn't really bothered the whole game, but keep in mind that the Ivory Coast was also playing for the draw.
Queiroz actually gave them the belief that they could steal the game late, with his approach/tactics.
Brazil ultimately did what it needed to do. They never once felt threatened and you coudl tell because they still had everybody up, trying to score late in the game.
-------------Eduardo---------------
Miguel--Carvalho--Alves--Coentrao
----------Meireles--Deco--------
Ronaldo---------------Simao
---Danny/Liedson---Almeida
Miguel will give us the width and attacking style that Ferreira lacks. Brazil was very central in their 4-2-2-2 formation and really didn't get enough width. We must use Coentrao and Miguel along with Ronaldo and our wingers to play through the wings and provide crosses to 2 strikers. An early goal will be extremely important so I hope that Queiroz takes risk and goes for an ultra offensive lineup. Once we have a decent lead, Pepe should come in to get some playing time becasue we will need him to start against Brazil.
They will have difficulty against North Korea as well, but I actually expect that North Korea will attack us a bit more since they want to beat us in particular. If they want to win, they'll need to press forward.
It will definitely be an important game. Hopefully we can at least earn some decent free kicks to Ronaldo can test their keeper.
Have faith everyone, this tournament is far from over for Portugal. They may not have the quality this year but they are trying hard and we should be supportive all the way.