Brazil v. North Korea 2-1 15/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group G, Day 5. (14 of 64)


Robinho destroyed the Korean defence.
[Photo: AFP/Getty Images via Daily Mail]


In a memorable night for the North Koreans, Robinho stole the show with an astounding performance at Ellis Park to give Brazil the expected win. This, however, was not the most magnificent display from the five-time world champions; they lacked punch touch and the Santos player made it more easy. The spirit of the amateur team of North Korea is something to applaud -an historic goal in the last minute gave the crowd hope for a late equaliser which did not arrive.

One thing to note: Kassai kept just one yellow card in a clean encounter. Usually we do not give that much credit to the man in charge of justice but this time he deserves it. Brazil will face Drogba's team in the 20th at Soccer City as the Portuguese have the Koreans the following day at Cape Town.



Elano, seconds before being subbed.
[Photo: Daily Mail]


During large parts of the first half, Brazil were masters and creators of the ball. We could see in Robinho their brightest hope to beat the "amateur" side of North Korea. With a couple of touches the ex-Man City marksman provided some ability in both flanks. Attacks from Maicon and Bastos showed how powerful the Brazilian team could get on the flanks. With the eleven Korean members behind the ball, this match looked like a cameo of those played at the Emirates and reviewed here.

Although it appeared a matter of moments for the goal, the "visitors" held any attempt at bay. Roberto Gómez Junco, Mexican commentator attributed the fact that he was talking of the Koreans because the Brazilians did not appear. Although this may very well apply to this match, we know that this judgements are vague and crass. Statistics talked: 66% of possession in just the first forty-five minutes.



Yun-Nam's strike.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Elano's shot, in the 46th, opened the game. Neither Dunga nor Hung Hum were content with their squads' performance. It was not until the 57th that Maicon broke the deadlock in what appeared to be a cross. He ran his right side, edged a defender and shot to beat Myong Guk. Later repetitions seem dubious of his intention, nevertheless a goal's a goal and in this particular case, we better be enjoying it rather than ignoring it.

With Fabiano missing a sitter there was a need for the Brazilian team to broaden the score. Elano did that after combining with Robinho. With this score, they reminded each and everyone of us that the status of "world class team" cannot be passed that simply. The match faded into a dull practice until the North Koreans dared the unimaginable; Yun Nuam added the spice this tournament needed as he ran past two centre-backs and shoot. This proved that in the following seconds the match will turn into a nightmare for Dunga, which it did. Eventually his men with all their difficulties came out victorious.