Brazil vs DPR

Everybody thought this match would be a walkover for the Samba boyz… and boy, were they wrong? The first half did not present too much of an opportunity to the Brazilian forwards and Robinho’s and Elano’s attempts from long range did not trouble the DPR goalie. The Koreans defended quite well and even, attacked a few times in the first half. They did not seem to be overwhelmed by the fact they were playing the world’s best team, ranked 104 notches above them (Brazil – Rank 1; DPR Korea – Rank 105). The overall strategy clearly indicated that DPR were hell bent on defending and probably relied on a counter attacking strategy placing a lone striker (J. Tae-Se) upfront.
The second half was pretty set; DPR had decided to defend and hence, Brazil had the space to attack relentlessly. I believe that in such cases, unless you have a very strong ability to launch counter attacks, it is just matter of time before one concedes a goal. Maicon’s goal (55th minute) was quite amazing wherein everybody (including myself) anticipated a cross but, he shot the ball beautifully (intentionally, not too sure about that!!!) between the bar and the goalie to open the account for Brazil. The second goal was also a beauty wherein Robinho’s move stretched the defense, found the rushing Elano who outpaced the defender and slotted the ball home in the 78th minute. Ji Yun’s left footer found the net in the 88th minute and raised hopes of quite a few DPR fans (including myself; switched loyalty midway).

Final Score
BRA 2 – DPR 1

Best of luck to DPR.. guys, you played really well.

Group of Death really looks like the group of death