Brazil fail to shine against Koreans

With 104 FIFA ranking places between them, many Brazil world cup betting pundits assumed they would win comfortably in their Group G match against North Korea.

Brazil were clearly relieved to claim the three points after winning 2-1, after being surprised by a North Korea team who chased everything over the 90 minutes.

Goals from Maicon and Elano gave Brazil a 2-0 lead before the Koreans grabbed a late consolation, when their best player on the night Jong Tae-Se played in Ji Yum-Nam to score a deserved goal. Jong Tae-Se was a constant nuisance for the Brazil defence, he chased every pass from his midfield as if his life depended on it, which it may have done.

While Brazil had the majority of possession and chances ,they failed to break the Koreans spirit, a five man defence kept the likes of Kaka, Elano and Luis Fabiano quieter than the Brazilians would have expected.

Brazil's one player to shine was Robinho, who was a danger all night with his jinking runs and endless step-overs. It was Robinho's perfect pass that played in Elano to score Brazil's second goal.

Manchester City fans won't have recognised the player as the same who spent most of his time with the club looking as though he wasn't interested. After being shipped back home on loan to Santos, Robinho has found his form and goals, and was a threat from the off. A good tournament from Robinho could resurrect his Man City career or as expected get him a move out of Eastlands.

Many of Europe's top teams would take an interest in the former Real Madrid player, how much of the £32.5million the Manchester club could recoup for the 26 year old is another matter.

Brazil coach Dunga will be hoping his team improve to keep ahead of the Argentina world cup odds and remain as one of the main favourites for the tournament.

Their next match is against stronger opponents Ivory Coast, who will be looking for a win after a goalless draw with Portugal in the other group match.