DESPITE EFFORTS BY NORTH KOREA, BRAZIL COME AWAY WITH THE VICTORY

in World Cup by Itai — June 16, 2010 at 5:14 am | 1 comment

Five-time World Cup champion Brazil have now taken the lead among their group play after defeating North Korea this afternoon 2-1 in their opening match of World Cup 2010 play.

This matched marked North Korea’s first World Cup match in 44 years, and entered the tournament as the lowest ranked team.

The teams took to the field in a 34 degree temperature, which felt like 24 degrees with the wind-chill. Right from kick-off, Brazil controlled the tempo and possession of the game, but ran into problems with North Korea’s back line which was anchored by five defenders.

After heading to the locker room at half-time scoreless, Brazil emerged with what we were all expecting to see during the first half.

In the 55th minute of play, Brazil’s Maicon slipped one past North Korea’s Ri Myong-Guk from what seemed an impossible angle after receiving a magnificent through ball from midfielder Elano to put his squad up 1-0.

Later in the 72nd minute, Elano added another goal from inside the penalty area after being assisted by Robinho.

Just when it seemed like the scoring was all said and done, North Korea made a burst in the 89th minute as Ji Yun Nam netted their first goal of the tournament. Despite being unable to score an equalizing goal today, one has to admit that North Korea played better than expected.

“It wasn’t our best match, but at least we got the win, that’s what matters now,” Robinho said following the match.

“The opener is always harder,” Brazil coach Dunga said. “There is the anxiety, the players are more nervous than usual, trying to do too much. But we are satisfied.”

“It is important to start with a victory and we did it,” Maicon said. “It was a good step toward our goal of being in the final on July 11.”