Group G favourites battle out stalemate draw.
Portugal 0-0 Brazil
FIFA World Cup 2010
Group G
3pm, Friday 25 June
Durban Stadium, Durban
Brazil and Portugal will both progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup - but neither looked like potential world champions after a tedious goalless draw.
Brazil barely managed a shot on target, save for a first-half effort from Nilmar that was tipped on to the angle of crossbar and post by Eduardo in the Portugal goal.
The Portuguese were not much better, with Cristiano Ronaldo failing to find his range as even the world's deadliest free-kick taker showed that he cannot control the controversial Jabulani ball.
For all the hype beforehand about this being a feast of spectacular football, it was a huge disappointment, notable mostly for seven yellow cards in an ugly first 45 minutes - the most so far in a half of this World Cup.
It was also the first time since 1978 that Brazil have failed to score in a group game, when they drew 0-0 with Spain.
In truth neither side deserved to win, and nor did anyone seriously threaten to break the deadlock.
Ronaldo hit the first of several long-range efforts high over the bar midway through the first half, and failed to get a single shot on target.
He did set up Raul Meireles for an easy chance on the hour mark, but the Portuguese midfielder shot wide from close range.
The Brazlians were not much better, with top scorer Luis Fabiano planting a header wide from close range and substitute Ramires having a deflected shot clawed away by Eduardo in stoppage time.
That brought to an end one of the most anticipated games of the World Cup so far - and the biggest let down.
Portugal 1 Eduardo, 2 Alves, 6 Carvalho, 15 Pepe (8 Mendes, 64), 21 Costa, 23 Coentrao, 5 Duda, (11 Simao, 54), 10 Danny, 16 Raul Meireles (14 Veloso, 84), 19 Tiago 7 Ronaldo.
Subs not used 12 Beto, 22 Fernandes, 3 Ferreira, 4 Rolando, 13 Miguel, 14 Veloso, 9 Liedson, 18 Almeida.
Brazil 1 Julio Cesar, 2 Maicon, 3 Lucio, 4 Juan, 6 Michel Bastos, 13 Daniel, 5 Felipe Melo (17 Josue, 44), 8 Silva, 19 Julio Baptista (18 Ramires, 82), 9 Luis Fabiano (23 Grafite, 85), 21 Nilmar.
Subs not used 12 Gomes, 22 Doni, 14 Luisao, 15 Thiago Silva, 16 Gilberto, 20 Kleberson, 11 Robinho.
Referee B Archundia (Mexico)