Group G final group games

Brazil 0-0 Portugal

When you see a Brazil v Portugal game on the fixture list it's enough to make one salivate in anticipation. However with Brazil only needing a draw to qualify top and Portugal only needing a draw to make absolutely certain of qualification it quickly became apparent that this would be a damp squib of a game. And so it turned out to be...for ninety minutes. I had thought that with both sides having pretty much progressed this would be an open fun game to match the festive atmosphere that accompanied it. I was wrong. I was also wrong that I didn't think the tackles would be flying in quite so hard. They were and as a result there were a few bookings.

As expected both sides had also made a few changes to their starting line-up and it was in these fringe players best interests to put on a show to force themselves into the managers plans for the round of 16. But even they couldn't really liven up proceedings. Juan could have been given a red card for a deliberate hand ball but the referee took a lenient approach.

The best chances were when a close-range Nilmar shot was parried onto the post by Eduardo and when the ball broke loose for Meireles in the box but was unable to convert.

Ivory Coast 3-0 North Korea

The Ivory Coast new that they needed a massive victory coupled with a Brazil win to have any chance of qualifying for the next stage.

The Ivory Coast could not match the 7-0 Portugal mustered against North Korea but they did create chances and were well worth their 3-0 victory. At least Ivory Coast could go out and enjoy themselves in a game, knowing these were their last minutes at World Cup 2010 they might as well!

The Ivory Coast were particularly dominant in the first half as Yaya Toure and Romaric both scored good goals. Despite their dominance and chances they were unable to produce more. They were unable to create as much during the second half and only a Kalou effort added to the two goals for a simple 3-0 victory that signalled the end of both sides involvement in the tournament.

It was a disheartening tournament for The Elephants and they will rue their conservatism in the first game against Portugal.

Group G's second set of games

Portugal 7-0 North Korea

North Korea approached this match with far more positive attacking intent than they did against Brazil. The first half featured some good attacks from Portugal but it also featured some sustained pressure from North Korea, and arguably were creative enough to be worthy of a goal. Portugal probably had the better of the first half chances but no-one would have argued if Jong Tae-Se had managed to get onto the end of a delightful through ball instead of just missing out as it skidded through.

It was Portugal who broke the deadlock though, scoring the only goal of the first half as Tiago put through a measured clever pass, splitting the North Korean defence for Meireles to complete a tidy finish.

In the second half Portugal ran riot. Better sides than North Korea may not have been able to thwart what was a half of real attacking intent and some stunning play. They were partly able to do so however because North Korea did not look the solid defensive unit they did against Brazil. And that in itself was partly due to their own attacking intent. Instead of focusing on defending they were looking for goals, and it became their undoing as they were exposed at the back.

It's amusing to think that this was the first game North Korea had televised live since a qualifier against Iran maybe a year ago - and here they were getting thrashed. I wonder what a certain dictator thought of the game and if transmission suddenly failed part way through the second half lol.

Portugal scored their six second half goals through Simao, Almeida, Tiago (2), Liedson and Ronaldo - Ri Myong-Guk in goal could have probably done better with a couple of them.

Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast

The first thing that struck me was that Drogba had come into the team at the expense of Gervinho. I exclaimed frustratedly that it should have been Dindane to be consigned to the subs bench, I really couldn't believe it.

The Ivory Coast had some good early pressure but failed to capitalise. Just before the half hour mark however Brazil struck. Robinho and Kaka combined well with Fabiano to allow him an opportunity to score - which he took emphatically. From that moment on Brazil took control of the game. Melo seemed to foil every attack, Brazil dominated possession and Ivory Coast were limited to long range efforts.

The sucker punch came in the form of a controversial second goal. Fabiano finished delightfully, but twice in the build up to scoring he used part of his arm for control of the ball. The goal should quite simply have been disallowed. The odd thing was there seemed to be pictures of the referee asking Fabiano afterwards if he had handled, and the two of them engaged in laughter. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it and the media hasn't really put this into the spotlight. A couple of minutes after Drogba had an excellent headed opportunity that he would normally bury, but he put it disappointingly wide.

Early in the second half Gervinho had finally replaced Dindane and it was easy to see why I had been so disturbed initially. Dindane had been ineffective, but Gervinho made a huge difference. He was involved in some quality moves, but still Ivory Coast failed to score.

After about 60 mins or so Brazil effectively ended the game as a contest when Elano coolly slotted home after timing his run to perfection. Almost immediately after this though he was stretchered off, barely able to stand on his right leg after a horrible studs up tackle from Tiote which arguably should have produced a red card.

Drogba headed a consolation, Ivory Coast started putting in some harsh, overly physical unfair tackles and then Keita engaged in some extra-ordinary play acting. Nudged in the chest by Kaka he dropped to the ground clutching his face. It was despicable behaviour reminiscent of Rivaldo's appalling dive (in 2002 against Turkey), clutching his face, after being hit in the knee by a ball kicked in his direction. FIFA have not done anything to prevent this kind of behaviour happening again - indeed they never even suspended him for it, just fining him 5,000 pounds. Kaka, unfairly got a red card. It was also ridiculous from Keita as the result of this is a suspension for Kaka against Portugal, when Ivory Coast would no doubt have been wanting Brazil to win to help them in their quest to qualify for the second round.

So, three bad decisions from the officials - 2 against Brazil and 1 against Ivory Coast. Plenty of talking points, including some quality football.

Group G opening games

Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal

This was a match I had been really looking forward to. Two teams stocked full of talent, in what some describe as the Group of Death, playing an opening game that is potentially crucial for determining who will go through. The match did not live up to its billing. Both teams played a structured, disciplined game that at times lacked the spark and creativity that I had been expecting. The moment of the game came in the first half when Ronaldo thundered a 30 yard drive against the post. Apart from that both sides lacked penetration, partly as a result of strong defences. Gervinho was the most impressive Ivory Coast player but even he failed to produce many clearcut opportunities. The injured Drogba came on as a substitute midway through the second half - but even he was unable to galvanise the game, or indeed score with his last minute opportunity. Don't get me wrong - it wasn't a terrible game, there was still quality shown on both sides, but it was surely disappointing.

Brazil 2-1 North Korea

The first observation I would like to make is regarding a passionate, emotional and stirring performance from Jong Tae-Se during the national anthem. He was visibly in a constant stream of tears, quite a moving performance from the man who is a citizen of South Korea, resident of Japan but educated at North Korean schools and universities in Japan! This was a very engaging game. North Korea battled valiantly in defence. They defended in numbers and it appeared any time a Brazilian had the ball there were around 8 North Koreans in close proximity preventing any real penetration. Brazil were restricted to a number of long range shots and really found the going tough.

The breakthrough finally came on around 55 minutes when Maicon, the marauding right-back smashed the ball in between the goalkeeper (who was anticipating a cross) and the near post. It has been speculated that this was an attempted cross but I believe it was purposeful, and wasn't it smashed home beautifully. The Brazilians were visibly relieved and later scored a beautifully crafted second goal. Robinho played an inch perfect angled through ball to Elano who hit a precise low shot into the bottom right hand corner.

North Korea, whilst defending for much of the match, had managed some moments in attack. Incredibly they scored a late consolation goal. Ji Yung-Nam powered into the box and smashed home from close range. It was an encouraging performance from the North Koreans, who if they continue in this vein, will be difficult for Portugal and the Ivory Coast to break down.

Group G preview

Group G features 3 very strong teams one would expect to see in a second round. Only two of them will make it. And then you have North Korea.

Brazil

Strengths: Brazil, as usual, bring a quality squad to the World Cup. Kaka is one of the best midfielders in the world and is complemented by the likes of Elano. Fabiano is a prolific goalscorer with a goal roughly every 1.5 games for his national side. They also have the talented goalscorer Nilmar in the squad and can afford not to pick Neymar who is 18 and scoring for fun for his club side Santos in Brazil. They also have a player I consider the best goalkeeper in the world in Cesar. This time Brazil also have an excellent defensive as well. They specialise in set pieces and lightning fast counter-attacks.

Weaknesses: It is hard to see many weaknesses in a Brazil starting eleven. Perhaps they will miss Ronaldinho who was not selected. Leaving out Pato verged on the criminal. But despite these high profile omissions they still have a top squad. Brazil do not have however a player up front who is practically guaranteed to deliver the goods in a World Cup as Ronaldo always was. Despite the overall quality - if I was to pick a best eleven from players at the World Cup few Brazilian players would feature - indicating that in most positions there are possibly better players for other countries. Brazil may find it hard to break down teams that sit back and defend due to their style of play.

Formation: Brazil actually have quite a fluid formation and can change a lot within the game depending on factors such as who is in possession etc. They will likely have 4 at the back and a lone striker in Fabiano up front. The midfield 5 change around quite a lot (and thus so does the formation).

Manager: Dunga is an excellent manager. He used to play for Brazil as a defensive midfielder and won the World Cup in 1994. This is his first international assignment.

Qualification: Brazil won the South American section including their first every victory over Argentina in Argentina. It was a comfortable qualification although they only finished 1 point ahead of both Chile and Paraguay.

World Cup pedigree: Brazil have, without doubt, the best World Cup pedigree of any nation. They are the only country to play in every single World Cup. They have won it 5 times (more than any other country) - 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They were second twice (1950 and 1998), third twice (1938 and 1978) and fourth once (1974).

Chance of progression from Group G: 85% - would have been higher if Portugal and Ivory Coast weren't also in the group.

Ivory Coast (C'ote D'ivoire)

Strengths: Ivory Coast have a team full of talent. Drogba is possibly the best striker in the world. Yaya Toure and Zakoro are two superb central midfielders. They also have the likes of Kalou, Dindane, Kone, Keita, Kolo Toure and Eboue in their squad. It is a very exciting team with a lot of firepower, flair and brilliance.

Weaknesses: Didier Drogba fractured his shoulder in a very recent friendly (about ten days ago) and there were worries that he wouldn't be fit for the tournament. Whilst it now seems likely he will feature it is not certain whether he will be ready for the crucial first game against Portugal. Even if he is there will be question marks as to whether his body can handle it. If anything their weakness comes at the back. There have also been reported bustups in the squad at this year's African Nations Cup. They will need to avoid any arguments to keep the required unity for this team to do well.

Formation: Should be a 4-3-3. Three physically imposing midfielders, a lone striker and two pacy wingers (and full-backs) meant the formation almost picks itself. Providing Sven avoids the temptation to go 4-4-2.

Manager: Sven Goran Erikkson has had many domestic and international managerial appointments throughout his career and has been very successful. For example he has league and cup doubles in Sweden, Portugal and Italy. He is most famous domestically for his stint at Lazio. He also managed England at Euro 2004 and World Cups 2002 and 2006. Sven's England were knocked out of World Cup 2002 by Brazil and Euro 2004 and  World Cup 2006 by Portugal so it is a quirk of fate that he should be drawn with these two countries again. He should add some structure to the flair of the Ivory Coast's game.

Qualification: Ivory Coast comfortably qualified from their group.

World Cup pedigree: Ivory Coast have only had one previous World Cup appearance in 2006. They didn't make it through the group stage after being drawn in the Group of Death with Holland, Argentina and Serbia and Montenegro. They will be hoping to go at least one better this time.

Chance of progression from Group G: 60%. Would really love them to qualify, will be a real dogfight with Portugal.

North Korea (Korea DPR)

Strengths: North Korea defend doggedly, harry in numbers and can be very hard to break down. They play to this strength and are very happy to stay back. They only conceded 7 in 16 games in qualifying. They also have a player called Jong Tae-Se who is nicknamed the Rooney of North Korea/Asia for his brilliant shooting ability. He has scored some stunning goals in his time.

Weaknesses: North Korea do not play width very well, they find goals hard to come by and have a lack of international experience in general. They find it difficult to cope with the aerial threat that teams can possess.

Formation: I have read that this will be a very defensive form of a 3-3-2-2

Manager: Kim Jong-Hun.

Qualification: North Korea finished second in their final Asia qualifying group thereby gaining automatic qualification. They finished ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference (and 4 points behind South Korea) so it was a very tense qualifying battle.

World Cup pedigree: North Korea have only qualified for one previous World Cup - 1966. They had a famous upset 1-0 win over Italy in the group stages. They also led Portugal 3-0 in the Quarter-finals but ended up losing 5-3.

Chance of progression from Group G: 0.5% - they should finish last.

Portugal

Strengths: Portugal have some incredibly exciting talent in their squad. Christiano Ronaldo is rated by some as the best player of his generation. He mesmerises defences with his dribbling skills and is a clinical finisher. But Portugal also have the superb Deco in midfield and the reliable and experienced trio of Ferreira, Carvalho and Costa available to play in defence. Nani and Simao are also very skilful wingers. They have a settled defence that doesn't concede many.

Weaknesses: In terms of out-and-out strikers Portugal are lacking. They instead rely on the wingers/midfield/supporting strikersto fire the goals. Liedson will quite possibly start in the lone striker role but he has never particularly impressed in terms of being able to trouble the goal. They also lack tempo in central midfield. Nani is also injured. Initial reports said he was out of the tournament but reports have just emerged saying he might be back miraculously quickly.

Formation: Should be a 4-3-2-1.

Manager: Carlos Queiroz - ex Manchester Utd assistant manager who has managed the Portugal team since 2008.

Qualification: Portugal only managed to finish 2nd in their qualifying group (behind Denmark) and only secured that in the very last game (enabling them to finish ahead of Sweden). They then needed to navigate a tricky playoff with Bosnia, which they achieved.

World Cup pedigree: This is Portugal's fifth World Cup only. They finished third in 1966 and fourth in 2006 but didn't get past the first round on their two other appearances in 1986 and 2002.

Chance of progression from Group G: 60%, in a dogfight with Ivory Coast, might just miss out.