Group of Death; Brazil versus Korea D.P.R.; Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, June 15, 2010

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The much awaited kick off of 2010 World cup, when world's best team takes to field for the first time in South Africa, started at 2350 IST. The match between other members of Group D was better than all other games, and this was supposed to be cake walk for Brazil. North Korea, as the D.P.R. Korea is known commonly, came without much hope. They had players who were unknown in the larger football playing world. One player, Ja Tae-Se(who), is supposed to be the best player in J-league(what?).

Before the match, both teams lined up for the national anthems of both countries. First, the Brazilian anthem played and the faces of all golden and green wearing crowd was one that wore a party look. They looked at North Koreans as nice young boys who had come to play with big brother, and expected an easy win. As the Korean anthem played on, tears came from Ja Tae-Se, which made the ceremony very much special for the games. The Koreans were playing after 44 years, last playing in 1966 England where they shocked Italy. They are known to be giant killers. The kick off was an elaborate wait, for each second was an eternity, and captains tossed for sides and kick. Lucio won the toss, and chose the field side, while the kick of was done by N. Koreans. Lights flashed in millions, while the match started with a flurry of attacks in N. Korean territory. Suddenly, Brazil was looking to make a goal, with Robinho making some fancy dribbling, but no goal. M. Bastos and Elano was shooting st the post with great power. Louis Fabiano was trying hard, playing physically against the Koreans earning many warnings from referee. By the fifteenth minute, Ja Tae-Se made many superb runs into the Brazilian territory, but either ran into Lucio or Juan or drove straight into Julio Cesar. This man was good, he had pace, skill and oodles of stamina. The Koreans were proving to world that they were no pushers in the group. They played with their hearts out. Brazilian post was tested couple of times by strong shots, while on the other side, only weak shots were tried at Korean end. One particular build up by N. Korea had at least 20-25 passes between some touch-miss by Brazilian players and ended with a shot at goal. They were proving it again. Brazil had majority of ball possession but couldn't find a weak spot in Korean defense which was solid as a rock. They managed to survive till the half time whistle. Dunga had a lot to think over his opponents in the first half. The Koreans took the first half honors, but still there was lot to worry for them too. Jon Ta se was the player who stood out in the whole match studded with stars like Kaka, Louis Fabiano, Robinho etc. He played well, but more than that he had heart.

And after the break, the teams took to field again. Brazil attacked immediately and with purpose. Maicon, Robinho and Kaka attacks. Brazilian attack with Kaka in center sees Kaka brought down and free kick given. The next best dead ball expert after Ronaldo is in this team, but instead of Kaka, Bastos takes it. The ball dips, but curls away. Brazilian has made Jabulani dip. They started to go for long range shots, played with the mid field looser than before, and managed to be on top, comprehensively, for the first time in the game. Then in 55^th minute came a genius of a goal which only a Brazilian can strike. A pass from Elano sees Maicon in a very awkward angle but he hits it almost from the out line of the field. The ball curls in and into the post it goes. Brazil has scored its first goal in this world cup. Brazil attack with Bastos and Robinho in left wing, Kaka in center, with Louis Fabiano along side, Elano and Maicon in right. Then the second goal which is perfectly Brazilian. A very imaginative play from Robinho saw him passing the ball that split the Korean defense, into the box, Elano runs in and puts it easily inside. Immediately, Dunga replaces Elano who is given a cheerful welcome into the bench. Bruno Alves takes his place and Nilmar comes in for Kaka. Brazil is not playing now, they are at the beach. They start to enjoy themselves, even after some good play by Koreans. The advantage is grabbed by N. Koreans who score in the 89^th minute with a brilliant field goal by Yun Nam. Again Jon Tae-Se was there. This guy deserves a goal. Only Louis Fabiano tries, to have his name in books. Rest of Brazil played as if on beach. Now three minutes of added time, and still Brazil ambles on. Whistle blows and Brazil wins. They have won it easily, and all the trouble they had in scoring, and ultimate goal from Yun Nam, was only due to their easy going. They better pick it up before the next match on 21^st. Anyway my team WON!! Yahoo!!