Second place could well be the best position to finish in Group G with
Spain likely last 16 opponents for the winners and I don't expect there to be
too many fireworks when Portugal take on Brazil on Friday.
Portugal virtually guaranteed themselves a place in the knockout stages with
a 7-0 crushing of a hapless North Korea last time out and even defeat is likely
to see them progress along with Friday's opponents.
Brazil, as you would expect, stamped their authority on South Africa 2010
with a comprehensive 3-1 defeat of the well-touted Ivory Coast in their latest
match, following a fairly unconvincing win over North Korea, and they are very
much the team to beat at the finals.
Now managed by Dunga, Brazil have developed an even greater winning mentality
under their former World Cup captain and it is going to take a very good side
indeed to get the better of them.
The likes of Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano take much of the plaudits for
Brazil's wonderful attacking play, but it is their defence and supreme
athleticism that has really impressed me.
Led by Lucio from the back and the evergreen Gilberto Silva in central
midfield, Brazil's spine of the team is certainly the best on show in South
Africa and Portugal will have their work cut out to find a breakthrough despite
their seven goal romp six days ago.
Portugal's thrashing of North Korea means Ivory Coast must prevail by a
similar sort of score line against the same opponents in Group G's other match
on Friday to stand any chance but that looks unlikely and Carlos Queiroz is
surely already planning for the knockout stages.
Providing Portugal face Chile or Switzerland in the last 16, Cristiano
Ronaldo and his team-teams could well be set for an extended stay at the finals,
the draw has been kind, and we know that the Real Madrid man has the ability to
win any match.
Ronaldo looked back to his best when toying with the Koreans and had a hand
in plenty of the goals before getting on the score sheet himself.
The world's most expensive player is bound to find things a whole lot tougher
on Friday however and I see this being a game of few chances as both have their
sights set firmly on bigger future engagements.
Portugal simply don't concede these days and the freely available 8/13 on
there being two goals or less appeals.
2pts Back Under 2.50 Goals (Portugal vs. Brazil) @ 8/13 (888 Sport)
