FIFA World Cup 2010 : Brazil vs Portugal Reaction no goal for Cristiano Ronaldo
One of the most eagerly awaited matches of the group stage of the football World Cup turned out to be a damp squib, as five time champions Brazil were held to a goalless draw by Portugal, fresh from their 7-0 annihilation of North Korea in Group G.
Despite the dull draw, which bored millions of neutrals around the world, fans of the two football superpowers enjoyed the draw which ensured their teams' progress to the knockout stage of the world’s most watched sporting spectacle.
Fans in Portugal’s capital Lisbon were happy as their team secured a place in the second round after a generally disappointing match.
The South Americans Brazil, who failed to score in a World Cup group match for the first time since they drew 0-0 with Spain in 1978, were already assured of a spot in the second round. However, the draw ensured that they top their group, which was also dubbed by many as the ‘Group of Death’.
On the other hand, the Europeans, who qualified for the semifinals of the World Cup in 2006, needed a point to guarantee a berth in the last 16, without having to worry about the result Ivory Coast managed against North Korea in the other group match.
The captain of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, rated by many as the best player in the world, managed a few typical runs at the Brazilian defence, but failed to make the most of the chances, as he encountered some stout defending by the imposing Lucio.
Meanwhile, fans from both countries converged at a screening in the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon.
"I like it, I like it a lot. There was no need for injuries. We were in a hurry in the end the same as when Ivory Coast won its game," said a Portuguese fan.
"It was a good game from both teams. The second half was better. Unfortunately we didn't win and ended 0-0," was the take from a fan from the rival Brazilian camp.
Over in Rio, the Brazilian city known for its carnivals and fanfare, football fans turned on the party spirit on the streets after their team finished the league stage by topping its group.
The drab draw was played in an unsporting atmosphere, where both teams indulged in rough play.
Yet fans celebrated at Alzira Brandao Street, better known as Alzirao, one of the city's most popular destinations renowned for its partying and never say die spirit.
Some of the fans were happy that their team came out of the match with the draw, as Portugal is rated as one of the most fearsome teams in the tournament that has the capability of toppling the very best in the business.
They added that the nil-nil draw was worthy, as neither team deserved to lose, as they showed great defensive skills to keep high flying strikers from both teams at bay during the 90 minute battle.
Another passionate fan added that his team would win the tournament as they have tremendous depth and talent in their squad, and felt that even God wanted to crown Brazil champions for a record sixth time.
The Brazilians could have had a potentially explosive second round encounter with European champions Spain, if the Spaniards ended at the second spot in Group H, but with a 2-1 win over Chile, they now top the group. Brazil will now meet Chile in the second round.
Many football experts feel that the Spanish team, that lost its opener in stunning fashion to Switzerland, is the favourite for the tournament, while others have tipped a Brazil-Spain final.
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