Brazil vs Portugal 2010

Wednesday, 2nd June 2010 at 12:10pm

Group G's Brazil vs Portugal fixture is the biggest game of the first round. The two footballing powerhouses have been drawn in what many are calling the 'group of death' due to the presence of arguably Africa's strongest side, the Ivory Coast despite its poor showing at the African Cup of Nations earlier in the year.

The match between the two countries is the final game of the group, and should either have failed to pick up maximum points from their opening two matches, any dropped points could prove disastrous if the Ivory Coast can take all three points you expect them to against North Korea.

The two nations have a shared history. Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking country in South America as a result of being a former colony of the European nation until 1822.

The technical ability and skill of their footballers is another trait the two share, both countries having produced a number of world stars in their ranks down the years, typified today by Brazil's Robinho and Portugal's former World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portuguese midfielder Deco is Brazilian by birth and both countries have been managed by Luis Felipe 'Big Phil' Scholari at the past two World Cups; Brazil in 2002 when they became champions for the fifth time and Portugal in 2006 where they finished fourth.

Brazil start the tournament as second favourites behind European champions Spain and will be the favourites to win the group.

Coach Dunga has received a lot of criticism during his tenure as Brazil coach but guided the team to first place in the South American qualifying zone and led the team to Confederations Cup glory in South Africa last year.

A winner as a player in 1994, his side is functional rather than being overloaded with flair, mimicking his style as a player.

Despite numerous calls for their inclusion, Dunga has resisted the urge to call up Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Adriano. Three stars form the 2006 campaign, despite a return to form for all three, and surprisingly omitted the AC Milan striker Alex Pato, one of world football's most exciting prospects.

Despite the omission of some truly talented footballers, Brazil can still call upon the likes of Luis Fabiano, Nilmar, Kaka, Robinho, Maicon and Daniel Alves to provide the creativity and artistry Brazil fans crave.

In years gone by, many critics have labelled the defence as Brazil Achilles heel but in recent years the Selecao has stiffened its resolve at the back in thanks to the central defensive partnership of Lucio and Juan ahead of Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar who has banished the myth of hapless goalkeepers.

Portugal can boast their own attacking gems, spearheaded by the brilliant Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Benfica's Simao, but lack a top class out and out forward and will rely on Hugo Almeida to lead the line.

Tiago and Deco are likely to dictate things from the middle of the park and the Chelsea duo of Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira will look to keep things tight at the back alongside Miguel and Real Madrid's Pepe.

Despite having a number of quality performers, Portugal have flattered to deceive, struggling in qualification and recently drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde Islands.

If they fail to pick up maximum points from their first two matches, a defeat against Brazil would likely see them eliminated from the finals and on an early plane home.

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