After their annihilation of North Korea which was the biggest margin of victory in a World Cup finals since Germany put eight past Saudi Arabia in 2002, Portugal can relax, although Deco’s troublesome hip means he is unlikely to play any part against the country of his birth. After the victory in Cape Town, Cristiano Ronaldo said they fancied their chances against Brazil, whom they have beaten just four times in 18 encounters. “We fear nobody,” said Ronaldo. “And after this performance against Korea we can believe we can overcome Brazil – and it is not often we have been in a position to say that.”

There has been plenty of anger in the Brazil camp but unlike at the England and France training centres the anger has not been directed at their own players. The 3-1 victory over Ivory Coast may have secured the Selecao an expected place in the last 16 but it came at the cost of Kaka’s dismissal for some ridiculous theatrics by Kader Keita and a challenge on Elano that the midfielder claimed would have broken his leg but for his shinpads that have his daughter’s name inscribed upon them.

This always looked one of the best fixtures of the group stages, although unless Ivory Coast are five up by half time, it will not have very much riding on it. However, it was always assumed that the winners of this group would avoid playing Spain in the second round. But since nobody knows where the pre-tournament favourites will finish, there may be no advantage at all in topping Group G. Verdict: Draw.