In a game billed as a transatlantic clássico between Brazil and Portugal, two sides surrounded by high expectations here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ failed to catch fire in a match largely played out in midfield. Yet given the two teams both expect fierce contests come the Round of 16, saving their gunpowder during Friday’s meeting in Durban may turn into a wise decision.
A Seleção fielded a much-changed midfield with Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves coming in to replace the suspended Kaka and the injured Elano, while Portugal also went for a different system to the one employed in prior games against Korea DPR and Côte d’Ivoire. Coach Carlos Queiroz lined up with Cristiano Ronaldo as his side’s lone forward ahead of a five-man midfield consisting of holding player Pepe and the more attacking-minded Danny, Duda, Raul Meireles and Tiago.
Though undoubtedly successful in stifling the Brazilian threat, the tactic also contributed to the play being bogged down in midfield areas, with little in the way of goalmouth excitement. “The plan was to try and open up a bit down the flanks and try and create enough space to play in,” Barcelona star Alves told FIFA.com after a goalless draw which secured top spot in the section for Brazil and second for Portugal. "We did manage to do that on the odd occasion, but to be honest it was generally very difficultsource:http://www.fifa.com
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