Portugal failed in their attempt to beat Brazil and climb above the FIFA World Cup heavyweights in a toothless Group G match in Durban this morning.

Brazil clinched top spot while the Portuguese got the point they needed to finish second in the standings to also progress to the second round ahead of Ivory Coast, who defeated North Korea by
3-0.

The Brazilians will play the runners-up of Group H in their next game while Portugal will take on the winners from that pool.

Much was expected from the match at a packed Moses Mabhida stadium with both sides possessing plenty of flair, despite an electric atmosphere with the Brazilian fans far outnumbering the Portuguese supporters, there was little action on the pitch.

In the Group H matches this morning, Spain beat Chile by 2-1 while Honduras and Switzerland drew nil-all.