Brazil did not dance to the rhythms of Samba in the Ellis Park Stadium, but instead had a hard time cracking a very well prepared North Korean defence. The Seleção nevertheless managed to get the three points, beating North Korea by 2-1 for the second game of Group G in the World Cup 2010. And combined with the goalless tie between the Ivory Coast and Portugal, Brazil has taken the lead in the group after yesterday’s game in Johannesburg.
North Korea definitely did some homework and completely shut down the Brazilians for the first 45 minutes of the game. Robinho fired a close shot in the 21st minute, the only real chance for Brazil during the first half. And that was the 8th out of 14 World Cup 2010 games played so far that ended 0-0 at halftime.
Brazil came on much stronger on the second half, putting some serious pressure on North Korea. Michel Bastos’ foul shot barely missed the target in 50′, and two minutes later Robinho sent a fireball that was blocked by Ri Myong-Guk. Based on Brazil’s second half performance it was clear that the first goal was under way, and at 55′ Maicon scored probably the best goal in the World Cup 2010 so far. 8 minutes later Luís Fabiano lost the biggest chance of the entire match for Brazil, and in 72′ Elano scored a second one after an excellent assist from Robinho.
North Korea managed to score a goal just one minute before the final whistle with Ji Yun-Nam, putting some extra stress on the Brazilian players. Brazil got the three points at the end and is now leading Group G of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
