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SEOGWIPO, South Korea (Ticker) -- Showing all the hallmarks of a colossal mismatch, four-time World Cup winner Brazil takes on debutant China in a Group C encounter. Brazil will take the field in a World Cup match for the 82nd time. China will play just its second game in soccer's showcase event. Brazil, the only team to compete in all 17 World Cups, usually dispenses with such frail first-round opponents. The South American giant defeated a weak Scotland side, 2-1, and outsider Morocco, 3-0, at France '98. En route to winning its fourth World Cup title in the United States in 1994, Brazil handed beleaguered Cameroon a 3-0 thumping. Although this game has the potential to turn into a rout similar to that handed out by Germany against Saudi Arabia, Brazil does not usually pile up goals against weak opponents and may just establish a comfortable lead early, entertain the rest of the way and secure its place in the second round. China had a mediocre outing in its first World Cup match, appearing outclassed in a 2-0 loss to Costa Rica. China looked very much like a nation still learning the beautiful game as coach Bora Milutinovic's men failed to construct effective attacking moves. That is a task that probably is beyond the coaching powers of Milutinovic, who is trying to guide an unprecedented fifth different nation in the second round of a World Cup. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho looked solid in Brazil's opening 2-1 win against Turkey. Although, the team wasted a handful of chances and only earned the three points due to a controversial penalty decision. Meanwhile, forward Rivaldo paid a fine of $7,350 for comically acting injured when hit by a ball kicked toward him by Hakan Unsal. Rivaldo stated he will not put on a repeat performance. |
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