Five - time champions Brazil beat a stubborn North Korea 2 - 1 at Ellis Park , Johannesburg . Silva and Elano score for Brazil before Ji Yun - nam grabbed a late reply for Korea . Ivory Coast and Portugal draw 0 - 0 in Group G opening match in Port Elizabeth . Brazil , seeking a record-extending sixth title , were expected to win with ease against a side making their first appearance in the tournament since 1966 , but the North Koreans made life difficult for their illustrious opponents . Silva hit the post for Portugal and Drogba a late chance for Africans .
Five - time champions Brazil beat a stubborn North Korea 2 - 1 at Ellis Park , Johannesburg . Silva and Elano score for Brazil before Ji Yun - nam grabbed a late reply for Korea . Ivory Coast and Portugal draw 0 - 0 in Group G opening match in Port Elizabeth . Silva hit the post for Portugal and Drogba a late chance for Africans .