Group G Finale

When I saw the draw for the group stages there was one game that immediately stuck out.  In the FIFA Rankings it pits number 1 v 3, Brazil v Portugal.  It would have been better if it was the first game as there would've been more at stake but it should be an enjoyable match anyway.

Brazil are guaranteed their place in the last 16 and so are Portugal, although if there is a nine goal swing in favour of Ivory Coast then it will be the Africans going through.  Normally you would say this is impossible but the way Portugal sliced their way thorugh the North Korean defence anything is possible.

Brazil will be without Kaka after his controversial dismissal against Ivory Coast but this just means the little magician will be rested and raring to go in the next round.

North Korea played well against Brazil and for the first half of the Portugal match but this 7-0 drubbing makes you wonder how their mind-set is at the moment.  If Ivory Coast score early on could the 9 goal swing be on?

Head To Head:

Portugal v Brazil: Portugal 5 wins, Draws 2, Brazil 12 wins

North Korea v Ivory Coast: No Previous Meeting

Last Meeting:

Portugal v Brazil: 19/11/2008 Brazil 6 Portugal 2 (Gama)

North Korea v Ivory Coast: No Previous Meeting

Odds:

Portugal v Brazil: Portugal 14/5, Draw 21/10, Brazil 13/10

North Korea v Ivory Coast: North Korea 17/2, Draw 4/1, Ivory Coast 2/5

Final Table:

Brazil 7pts

Portugal 5pts

Ivory Coast 4pts

North Korea 0pts