The battle for qualification in Group G is unarguably the toughest in this year's FIFA World Cup. The on pitch combat began on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory for Brazil over a determined North Korean side.

On a Chilly night at the Ellis Park in Johannesburg, North Korea warmed spectators by staging a brave resistance against five times world champions Brazil. Lining up five defenders, the “Chollima” of North Korea managed to frustrate their opponents and match them in every area of the field for the entire first half.

Brazil’s performance was far below the classy and flowing football people expect them to play. It took a fluky goal in the 55th minute for them to finally break down the disciplined North Korean defence. Brazil’s right back, Maicon, overlapped and from a difficult angle curled a low shot into the far right corner. Questions will be asked on the intent in Maicon’s goal as the player appeared to have been crossing rather than shooting.

After the goal, the Korean defence lost its shape and Brazil responded by attacking wave after wave. Brazil’s attitude brought results 17 minutes later as Elano scored a goal that put the game beyond Korea’s reach. A stunning pass from Robinho split the Korean defence and Elano was through; one on one with the goalkeeper. Elano took his time on the ball before side footing the ball past Korean goalkeeper Myong-Guk Ri.

But the Koreans had the last say. In the 89th minute, a fantastic solo effort by Ji-yun Nam gave Korea a deserved consolation goal. Nam picked the ball out side Brazil’s penalty area, burst past three defenders before drilling an excellent strike that gave Brazil’s goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, no chance.   

Brazil’s coach, Dunga, was full of praise for the Koreans and saluted their tactics by stating:”they passed really well and defended extremely well... It was really hard to play against an opponent that was so tough and defensive.”

In the other group G match, Portugal was held to a goalless draw by Ivory Coast. The two teams cancelled each other out in all aspects of the game. The closest any of the two came to breaking the deadlock was a magnificent long range effort by Christiano Ronaldo, which went past the goalkeeper but hit the wrong side of the post.

The results, in what has been described by most as the “group of death,” have set the stage for an exciting second round of games. Though Brazil has an advantage, the game against Ivory Coast will be extremely difficult and Portugal should expect resilient resistance from North Korea.