Maicon 55       Ji Yun-Nam 89

Brazil fended off an exhilarating challenge from North Korea in a fascinating Group G encounter in Johannesburg.

The half-time score of 0-0 will have sent mini shock waves around the football world.

And the Brazilians were reliant on some good fortune after the break to kick-start their previously stodgy performance.

Brazil were reduced to shooting from distance by an energetic, exceptionally well-drilled Korean back five and defensive-minded midfield trio.

But the Koreans broke quickly whenever they could. And they fully deserved to keep Brazil to just the one-goal margin of victory.

Full-back Maicon gave Brazil a 55^th minute lead when his mishit, viciously swerving cross from the right touchline beat Korean keeper Ri Myong-Guk at his near post.

Elano converted Robinho’s inch-perfect pass on 72 minutes with a right-foot shot to double Brazil’s advantage. But Ji Yun-Nam’s 89^th minute run and precise left-foot strike gave the scoreline a fairer look.