| Goals | Goals |
|---|---|
| 2. Maicon (55’) | 8. Ji Yun-Nam (89’) |
| 7. Elano (72’) |
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The Team
Brazil Made To Work Hard
June 15, 2010
Brazil were made to work hard for their 2-1 win over Korea DPR in frigid conditions at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park on Tuesday night, but the five-time world champions will be pleased at having got their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a winning start that sees move into an early lead in Group G.
The South American giants had to wait until ten minutes into the second half to finally break their opponents’ stout resistance, as Korea DPR put up an impressive display that suggests Portugal and Cote d’Ivoire will have their work cut out for them if they are to pick up positive results against the Asians.
Predictably, Brazil started strongly and dominated possession but it was North Korea who had the first shot on target, with Jong Tae Se getting away a right-footed effort from a tight angle that was comfortably saved by Julio Cesar.
In fact, the Asians were impressively ambitious and confident early on – they may have played just the one striker, Jong, up front but he rarely lacked support from midfield, while their defence was typically well organised and resilient.
Brazil first forced a save from Korea DPR goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk in the 21st minute, with Robinho doing well to get away a shot from a tight angle.
On 27 minutes the keeper had to punch clear a fierce drive from right-back Maicon as A Selecao began to dial up the pressure on their opponents.
Yet still the Koreans impressed, with Ri Kwang Chon pulling a dangerous cross-cum-shot across the penalty area on 31 minutes that would have had Brazilian hearts aflutter for a few moments.
Robinho was the South Americans’ liveliest player, dazzling the Korean defence with his fast feet and trickery, but Luis Fabiano and Kaka were strangely subdued, with the latter guilty of some uncharacteristic sloppy passing.
Nonetheless, the yellow shirts began to flood forward as the first half neared its end and Kim Jong Hun’s side had to stay sharp at the back to ensure that they went into the half time break with the score locked at 0-0.
Dunga declined to make any substitutions at the break, opting to keep faith with the 11 starters. His trust was almost rewarded six minutes into the second half when Michel Bastos’ free kick flashed just wide of the North Korean goal.
On 55 minutes Brazil finally broke the resistance of the team in red, with Maicon taking advantage of Ri Myong Guk’s poor positioning to beat the keeper at his near post with a low drive from an almost impossibly tight angle when everyone was expecting a cross.
Ri Myong Guk looked suspect again just past the hour mark when Michel Bastos unleashed another pile driver with his left foot that the keeper somewhat flapped at, and on 64 minutes Luis Fabiano finally had a sight of goal but spooned his left-footed shot over the crossbar.
The South Americans doubled their lead with a goal of rare quality in the 72nd minute: Robinho provided a superb through ball to find the run of Elano and the midfielder coolly slid the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
The remainder of the game saw Brazil ease off the accelerator pedal, though they still created a few chances in which they could have added to the score line.
North Korea pulled a goal back in the 89th minute to add some intrigue to the final minutes, with Ji Yun Nam showing great composure to fire the ball past Julio Cesar after a strong burst through the defence.
North Korea pulled a goal back in the 89th minute to add some intrigue to the final minutes, with Ji Yun Nam showing great composure to fire the ball past Julio Cesar after a strong burst through the defence.
There was to be no fairytale late equaliser for Korea DPR, though they can take great heart from a fighting performance in which they showed that they are very much worthy of their place at the World Cup.
Brazil (0) 2 (Maicon 55’, Elano 72’)
Korea DPR (0) 1 (Ji Yun Nam 89’)
Brazil: (4-4-2) Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos; Elano (Dani Alves 73’), Felipe Melo (Ramires 84’), Gilberto Silva, Kaka (Nilmar 78’); Robinho, Luis Fabiano
Korea DPR: (4-5-1) Ri Myong Guk; Cha Jong Hyok, Pak Chol Jin, Pak Nam Chol, Ri Kwang Chon; Ji Yun Nam, Mun In Guk (Kim Kum Il 80’), Hong Yong Jo, An Yong Hak, Ri Jun Il; Jong Tae Se Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Cautions: Ramires
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