Brazil stalemate suits Portugal
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Brazil and Portugal ground out an uninspired 0-0 draw at the World Cup Group game on Friday.
Brazil had already qualified for the next round on two wins while Portugal only had the slimmest possiblity to miss the last 16 stage.
Group G, topped by Brazil with nine points, saw Portugal in second place on five points and DPR Korea languishing last.
With a 7-0 win over DPR Korea on Monday, Portugal were able to afford a loss to Brazil. It was impossible for Cote d'Ivoire to erase the nine-goal advantage of Portugal in their DPR Korean game, in which the Africans won 3-0.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz made four changes to the team from Monday with Pepe and Ricardo Costa coming into defence, and Danny and Duda in midfield.
Also with one eye on the next round, Brazil rested forward Robinho, bringing in Nilmar up front to partner Luis Fabiano.
Brazil opened with Felipe Melo delivering to Dani Alves, who fired the ball several meters wide from 25 meters away.
Alves blasted a 25-meter volley to Portugal goal at the 17th minute, which was saved by Eduardo.
Portugal responded with Raul Meireles' wayward volley from the edge of the box.
Maicon took the ball down the right and whipped it into the box, which a stretching Eduardo claimed.
The Inter Milan defender then sent a high cross into the box from near the corner flag.Lius Fabiano beat two Portugal defenders to the ball, but headed it narrowly wide.
At the hour time, Ronaldo skinned Juan and stormed into the Brazil penalty area. Lucio made a sliding tackle on the Read Madrid player, only to send the ball into the path of Meireles, whose close range shot was fisted out by Julio Cesar.
