Matchday 5 - Magic Minnows

New Zealand 1 (Reid 90) - Slovakia 1 (Vittek 50)
Cote d'Ivoire 0 - Portugal 0
Brazil 2 (Maicon 55, Elano 72) - North Korea 1 (Ji 89)

Matchday 5 saw the beauty of the World Cup come to life as it was the turn of the minnows to shine. North Korea played a brilliant, brave game of counter attacking football in a close 2-1 loss to Brazil, while the All Whites from New Zealand grabbed an unlikely point with a last gasp equaliser against Slovakia. The other match was an ordinary 0-0 draw between Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire.

No doubt it will be the North Koreans that are the toast of the footballing world this morning after a superb display in a 2-1 loss to 5 time champions Brazil. The North Koreans showed the perfect way to play the counter attack, defending deep and breaking with pace up to star striker Jong Tae Se. They managed to hold the Brazilians out for almost an hour, and even threatened to take the lead themselves on occasion. However, the class of Brazil eventually told with 2 cracking goals, the first a Maicon goal from a ridiculously tight angle and the second from Elano from a superb Robinho through ball. Still the North Koreans got the goal they so richly deserved in the 89th minute through new national hero, Ji Yun Nam. From Brazil's perspective, while they always looked like they would win there must be concerns over the performances of Kaka (virtually invisible) and Luis Fabiano in the game. Still it is early days and outside those two they did look good, getting superb attacking support from their fullbacks on both sides of the pitch. The next games against (presumably) better opposition will be a good test. The North Koreans would have to be heartened by their performance and if they keep it up a shock result in their remaining matches could be in order.

In contrast to that feel good story the clash between Cote d'Ivoire and Portugal was another atrocious 0-0 slog (I can't believe I got up for this) that has unfortunately been a regular occurrence at this World Cup. On this performance I would doubt either team would be worrying the engraver at the end of the tournament (unless their is a trophy for the biggest divers/whingers, in which case Portugal is a certainty to collect some silverware). I guess the Ivorians had slightly the better of the chances but neither side deserved to collect all three points. Given Didier Drogba only played as a substitute in the last 15 minutes or so the Africans probably have more improvement in them. There must be warning signs for Portugal though, who despite having the majority of possession created very little. Superstar midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo was well held by the Ivory Coast defenders although he did crack a stunning strike off the post from 30 yards out early in the game. Sadly that was probably the highlight of the match and it appeared both teams were happy to roll the dice on goal difference, and bank on beating North Korea by more than they lose to Brazil by.

Updated odds to advance - Group F - Italy ($1.10), Paraguay ($1.30), Slovakia ($3.50), New Zealand ($15). Group G - Brazil ($1.10), Portugal ($1.75), Cote d'Ivoire ($2.00), North Korea ($20)

What We Learned - That North Korea are not a bunch of half starved amateurs to be pounded into submission. They played some of the best counter-attacking football seen at this years tournament so far and with a bit of luck could of snared a point from the mighty Brazil.

The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Cristian Ronaldo (Portugal) - Possibly harsh given that only the post denied him a goal, but for a former World Football of the Year he was massively disappointing for mine. The contrast with Lionel Messi's performance earlier in the tournament could not have been greater. Needs to stop worry about being clipped and should try staying on his feet and running past some defenders.

Tonight' Games - Tonight sees the conclusion of the first round of group games and the second round of matches in Group A kick off. Group F begins with the all Latin American clash of Honduras and Chile - I think the Chileans should win this comfortably. That will be followed by our first glimpse of tournament favourites Spain as they taken on Switzerland. Spain should just prevail in a tight European derby. The late game sees hosts South Africa having their second bite of the cherry, this time against Uruguay. I think both teams could be notching up their second draws of the tournament.

Suggested Investment - Another bagel last night. Nothing seems to be working so lets have a correct at some correct score bets tonight. I would take Spain to beat Switzerland 1-0 ($6.50), and take a 1-1 ($7) draw in the South Africa - Uruguay match.

Prices courtesy of Betfair.