BRAZI: vs KOREA DPR >>> Match Previews

Selecao seek a style changeThe most successful side in World Cup history, Brazil are revered around the world for their free-flowing, attacking style of football that has allowed them to give the world the gift of players like Pele and Garrincha. But a new breed of Brazilian finds itself at this year's World Cup, under the tutelage of their defensive midfield general turned coach, Dunga.

Fitting, perhaps, that Brazil will find themselves up against North Korea in the first game, as the defensive mindset that that has taken over the Samba stars is employed to full effect in Asia as well. Of course, the gap between the two sides is huge. Conventional wisdom dictates that Brazil should walk away with a comfortable win, but they will have to break down some stubborn defending if they are to do so.

In Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano, Brazil don't quite have the same attacking platform as the three Rs of Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho from the last time they lifted the trophy in 2002 - but they do possess a very similar midfield with Kleberson and Gilberto Silva employed in the holding roles. For Cafu and Roberto Carlos, read Maicon and Michel Bastos - full backs so impressive that Barcelona star Daniel Alves is left on the bench - but the criticism of their style under Dunga has not lifted despite the players on show. Make no mistake: they may have topped their qualifying group but, to the Brazilian public, they have a lot to prove.
Their opposition, North Korea, have already won the favour of their fans simply by qualifying for the tournament. With a pedigree that includes a shock run to the quarter-finals in 1966, beating Italy 1-0 in the process, the Koreans head into South Africa knowing that just a draw in the 'Group of Death' will make them global celebrities. The secret nature of the country, and indeed the team, have many guessing how they will set up, but a 5-4-1 formation looks likely with every man behind the ball.

Brazil player in focus: Kaka

After months on the sidelines troubled by injury for his club Real Madrid, Kaka holds the key for the creativity of this Brazil side. This squad is not overly blessed with the usual array of attacking talents, but Kaka stands alone as one of the best in the world on his day. He will be well rested after the season and should be raring to go.

North Korea player in focus: Jong Tae-Se

The only North Korean to make himself readily available to the media before the tournament, Jong, who was born in Japan, has talked of his ambition to score a goal a game at the tournament. 'The Asian Wayne Rooney', as he has been dubbed, is basically the only attacking outlet for his side and has proved himself a dangerous finisher in some of the pre-tournament friendlies.

Key battle: Robinho v Nam Song-Chul

Robinho has a lot to prove at this World Cup after being shipped off to Santos on loan. His pace and trickery will certainly provide a tough test for the Korean defence, especially with Nam Song-Chul filling in on the left-hand side of defence and attempting to get forward as much as he can. Most likely, Nam will avoid any attacking urges but Robinho's talent as he drifts around the final third could embarrass his opponent.

Trivia: Korea means 'Land of the Morning Calm' in Korean and the North Korean football team's nickname is Chollima, a mythical winged-horse popular in central Asian folklore. It is said to be "too swift to be mounted".
Stats: North Korea's biggest win came in 2005 when it stomped Guam 21-0. Don't expect the same attacking prowess against Brazil.

THE PICK

BRAZIL 2 - 0 KOREA DPR

ASIAN HCP BETTING

Take KOREA DPR + 2 1/4 Hcp (Main Bet)

SMALL FUN BETS

Take BRAZIL win 2 - 0 (Exact Score)

Take BRAZIL win 4 - 0 (Exact Score)