Portugal grabbed the point they needed to ensure qualification for the last 16 after an unexpectedly tedious draw with already-qualified Brazil in Durban.

Both sides made four changes from their previous line-ups which suggested that neither was going to go all out for victory, and so it proved.

Brazil central defender Juan was fortunate not to be dismissed midway through the first half for a deliberate handball which denied a clear run on goal to Cristiano Ronaldo.

But the clearest chances of the first half fell to Brazil’s Nilmar, who had a shot pushed onto the crossbar by Portuguese keeper Eduardo, and Luis Fabiano who was wide with a close-range header.

The second half was tighter still. Portugal’s Raul Meireles brought a brave save out of Brazil keeper Julio Cesar after a quick break by Ronaldo. And Brazil substitute Ramires saw his deflected shot saved by Eduardo in stoppage time.