Brazil and Portugal delivered the letdown of the tournament at Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This was the ticket everyone wanted.
What we (62,000+) got instead was a dull, uninspired yet utterly practical 0-0 draw. Players dished off lazy passes sideways and backwards under the stern gaze of ultra-defensive coaches Dunga and Queiroz. Instead of magical Robinho we got useless Julio Baptista.
With such tedious football on display, we, the fans, provided the entertainment and fun. When the final whistle blew, disgruntled fans booed the lackluster effort of both sides, while the players traded jerseys and knowing winks. In the round of 16 Brazil will take on Chile while Portugal will clash with Spain.
Now that we are in the knockout stages, the dictatorship of results might suffocate the joyful spirit that stubbornly breathes life into our beautiful game.
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