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Brazil and Portugal - 1st half report as they play in the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa

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Brazil and portugal - 1st half report as they play in the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa

So pretty much the most intense match of the world cup yet, just kicked off a while back, as the giants from Brazil and Portugal who are all but assured a place in the final 16, taken each other on. Despite that fact there was no doubt that sparks would be sent flying during the much anticipated showdown.

There was insane buzz and excitement at Durban, and whenever Cristiano Ronaldo got the ball the vuvuzellas went louder and louder. Additionally it is interesting to note that Brazil have two of the world's best right-backs in their team, with Dani Alves playing in the midfield position.

The first good move of the match was when Julio Baptista made a lovely turn and laid it off for Dani Alves - the Barca man did not need a second invitation and let loose from 25 yards but the shot went wide.

Portugals best chance came in the 18th minute from Ronaldo Simao, who busted down the left wing, and cut it back to Tiago, who then unleashed a volley from just outside the box but it went just a fraction wide of the post on the right side.

The game was surely free flowing right from its onset. Just Moments before Tiagos attempt, Luis Fabiano earned an unnecessary yellow card which left him on a tight rope for the rest of the match.

With Elano out due to an Injury and Kaka missing because of a suspension, Fabiano and Danni Alves were the two making all the moves instead. Fabiano had no less than 3 shots blocked, but all were from outside the box.

On the 25th minute a  moment of insanity may have cost Brazil dearly, when Ronaldo put through a long ball and Juan used his hand to stop it, resulting in a mere yellow. While the Portuguese players were protesting the fact that it was just a yellow, Duda was shown a yellow himself. Ronaldo took the free kick from almost 40-45 yards away, but it went high into the crowd.

After the halfway mark of the first half, both teams settled down to some degree, but there were moments of brilliance from Ronaldo, some clever step overs but they were halted by the strong Brazilian midfield.

Just as the clock hit 30 minutes, the best chance of the match was seen as Nilmar latched on to a pass from Alves but his shot hit the post after deflecting from the keepers hands. And in matter of seconds on the counter, Portugal were in the Brazilian box only to have a simulation bring the attack to an end.

Ronaldo seemed to have gotten past the defensive lines, but got called off-side in the 32nd minute as the score remained 0-0. Once again a threat from Brazil came from the left flank as Melo cutting the ball to Alves who shot in a good cross only for the keeper to make a comfortable catch.

The final 10 minutes of the half were low on action compared to the first 35 minutes. But just before the break, Brazilain Coach Dunga realised that his front man Luis Fabiano, who had got recieved an early booking, was somewhat losing his cool and was in danger of getting a second yellow and going off the field, so he was substituted with 2 minutes to go. There were no less than 7 yellow cards in the first half that ended with a Brazil corner followed by another quick break led by Ronaldo, who took a 30 yard shot which went quite wide.

So its 0-0 at half time, but there was no lack of action. It seemed as though both teams were using this time to size each other up. The 2nd half promises some goals for sure.

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