World Cup: Portugal hold Brazil to goalless draw

It was a strong tactical display by both Brazil and Portugal who ended a goalless night and advanced to last 16 of World Cup.

Zeenews Bureau

Durban: It was a strong tactical display by both Brazil and Portugal who ended a goalless night and advanced to the last sixteen of the World Cup. Portugal sprung the offside trap beautifully in the 49th minute as Ronaldo looked to play in Danny on the right. Lucio intercepted for a corner and the delivery was poor, hence no goal. The high intensity World Cup tie began with both the squads upping the offence right from the word go. The battle yielded no goals till half-time but was productive for the referees who gave yellow cards by the dozen. The second half did show a more disciplined effort and none of the cards were given. Luis Fabiano was yellow carded in the 15th minute and the card frenzy continued with Juan (Brazil) and Duda (Portugal) getting yellows in the 25th minute. Brazil gaffer Dunga opted to replace suspended Kaka with Julio Baptista, while Dani Alves took place of injured Elano.Line-up: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Juan, Lucio, Michel Bastos, Melo, Gilberto Silva, Dani Alves, Julio Baptista, Luis Fabiano, Nilmar Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz made the decision to give defenders Duda and Costa the chance to prove their worth at the back , while Pepe made it into the starting XI, too. Playmaker Danny also returned to the line-up.Line-up: Eduardo, Duda, Bruno Alves, Carvalho, Costa, Pepe, Meireles, Coentrao, Danny, Tiago, Ronaldo