What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Portugal vs Brazil (Group G)
When: Friday 25th June, 2010, at 15:00 UK Time
Where: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Full Steam Ahead
Having completely destroyed North Korea 7-0 in their last match, Portugal will be full of confidence heading into their final group game against Brazil. Their latest lopsided victory showed that Carlos Queiroz’s side is still a force to be reckoned with despite a rocky qualifying campaign and a goalless draw against the Ivory Coast in their opening match.
Virtually through to the knockout stages, it will be a battle for top spot in Group G for Portugal, who are intent on maintaining their high spirits going into the next round. With their attack finally clicking and flowing the way that has been expected of them, look for Cristiano Ronaldo and company to try and impose their game against a much tougher Brazil side.
Defending Top Spot
Although Brazil have not shown the type flair of expected of them so far in the World Cup, manager Dunga will be pleased that his side have dispatched of North Korea and the Ivory Coast with minimal fuss. The reward for their two victories is a comfortable place at the top of Group G, a position they will be reluctant to relinquish.
The Selecao have shown they are fully capable of grinding out results when necessary, proving that despite their stuttering form, they are still operating at a class above the rest. With Brazil unlikely to accept anything but top spot in the group, the five-time World Cup champions will be pushing hard to keep their position.
Recent form
Portugal:
Portugal 3-0 Mozambique (08/06; Friendly)
Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal (15/06; World Cup – Group G)
Portugal 7-0 North Korea (21/06; World Cup – Group G)
Brazil:
Tanzania 1-5 Brazil (07/06; Friendly)
Brazil 2-1 North Korea (15/06; World Cup – Group G)
Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast (20/06; World Cup – Group G)
Players to watch
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo: The Real Madrid forward finally found the back of the net against North Korea in Portugal’s last match, capping off an impressive performance from the superstar. His ability to create magical moments at any point in a game will make him the primary threat for Carlos Queiroz’s side.
Brazil – Luis Fabiano: After scoring a brace in Brazil’s last match against the Ivory Coast, the Sevilla striker will be going into his last group game with even more confidence. Luis Fabiano’s ability to finish in and around the penalty area will be key to his side’s chances of breaking down what is sure to be a stern Portugal defence.
Match prediction
Although Portugal are on a high after their lopsided victory against North Korea, their next opponents will be a totally different proposition. The Selecao are by far a superior side to that of the Asian team, and will be the perfect test to gauge just how strong coach Carlos Queiroz’s side has become in South Africa. Intent on keeping top spot, Brazil will prove too much for Portugal and will win 1-0.
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