The two main challengers to Brazil in this tournament’s so-called “group of death” fought out an uninspiring goalless draw at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.

Portugal’s former world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post with a spectacular 30-yard right-footed effort during a lively start.

But by the time this season’s EPL top-scorer Didier Drogba came on as a late substitute, the game had subsided into a frustrating, tetchy stalemate which not even the Chelsea star could lift from its slumbering mediocrity.

Ronaldo’s effort was the only one of note in the first half. But Ivory Coast were livelier after the break, even if both sides were still restricted to half-chances.

Gervinho was Ivory Coast’s biggest threat, while Liedson’s weak 57^th minute header was Portugal’s one shot on target.

Drogba had a sniff of goal late on but could only shoot across goal from Fadel Keita’s through ball.