Brazil blame Portugal for dour draw

DURBAN, South Africa (AP):

Brazil are not taking any responsibility for the disappointing 0-0 draw with Portugal yesterday, saying the Portuguese's defensive set-up kept the much-anticipated match from turning into a spectacle.

The Brazilians say they did their part, going for the win from the beginning at Moses Mabhida Stadium, while claiming Portugal did all they could to keep the match from opening up.

"It's really boring when we have to play against an opponent with 11 players at the back, only trying to draw," Brazil striker Luis Fabiano said.

Brazil had already secured a second-round berth, but Portugal needed a draw to guarantee their spot in the round of 16, even though they were protected by a huge goal difference that could have allowed themselves to advance even with a loss.

Brazil won Group G with seven points, two more than Portugal. Ivory Coast, which beat North Korea 3-0, were third with four points. The Koreans ended with zero.

"They came to play their game, staying in defence to guarantee the result they needed," Brazil midfielder Daniel Alves said. "We had several chances to score."

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz had a different view on the match that extended his team's unbeaten streak to 19 matches.

"I think it was a great spectacle, a football feast," he said.

Brazil dominated the first half and had the most dangerous scoring opportunities, but Portugal regained control in the second half and could have taken the lead if it weren't for a remarkable save by Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar in the 60th minute.

"Portugal respected Brazil a lot and tried to rely only on counter-attacks," Julio Cesar said. "We had to be patient to try to score but unfortunately it didn't happen. At least we got first place in the group, which was important for us."

Brazil had also struggled against the defensive set-up of North Korea in their opening match, needing second-half goals to win 2-1. It was easier against the more offensive Ivory Coast, when Brazil played better and won 3-1.

"They really played in defence this time," Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva said about Portugal. "Even more than the other teams we played against recently."

The result kept Brazil from extending their winning streak to eight matches. They hadn't drawn since a 0-0 result against Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier last October. Brazil had routed Portugal 6-2 in a friendly the last time the teams played, in 2008, marking Portugal's most recent loss.

Brazil coach Dunga criticised FIFA for naming Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo the man of the match yesterday and Brazil captain Lucio said he was appalled by it.

"I have no words about this decision," the defender said. "I respect Cristiano Ronaldo, but I don't think he did a lot against our defence."

Lucio played in his 15th World Cup match, surpassing football great Pele and climbing to No. 6 on Brazil's all-time list for most matches in football's biggest showcase, five behind leader Cafu. Lothar Matthaus of Germany has played a record 25 matches.

Luis Fabiano said Brazil need to get used to teams playing defensively against the five-time champions.

"We have to find a solution against these teams," he said. "Very few teams will open up against us in the World Cup."