Portugal line-up: Eduardo, Alves, Duda (Simao, 54'), Carvalho, Ronaldo, Danny, Pepe (Mendes, 64'), Meireles (Veloso, 84'), Tiago, Costa, Coentrao
Brazil line-up: Juilo Cesar, Maicon, Lucio (c), Juan, Melo (Josue, 44'), Bastos, Gilberto, Luis Fabiano (Grafite, 85'), Alves, Baptista (Ramires, 82'), Nilmar
The Samba beat really wasn't made today in a really poor match that was marred by a first half of yellow cards. Neither team played for the win as Brazil were already through and Portugal needed a point to guarantee their progress which was practically guaranteed already. Brazil set the standard of the game with non-penetrative play and long range shooting which didn't trouble anyone. As for Portugal Ronaldo was playing the lone front man and was very frustrated throughout the match as he received little service and was continually marked by the defence. The only real attacking threat for Portugal came from their left side with Coentrao and Meireles providing a couple of half-decent crosses. the clear cut chance of the game came from Brazil as Nilmar found space in the box before firing against the upright. The first half consisted of seven yellow cards for various offences including diving, late tackles, handball and asking for others to be booked, to be able to list offences really doesn't shed good light onto the game does it?
The second half didn't really fire up either but more space was created as players tired. Ronaldo therefore benefited as he could play off Lucio and forced him into some last ditch defending. Meireles should have won the game for Portugal who somehow fired wide from seven yards and the game petered out from there.
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