Brazil breaks through solid North Korea defense to lead 1-0 after 60 minutes

Brazil leads North Korea 1-0 after 60 minutes

JOHANNESBURG — Brazil has broken through a solid North Korea defense to lead 1-0 after 60 minutes of their World Cup match on Tuesday.

Defender Maicon took advantage of poor positioning at the near post by goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk in the 55th minute to fire his shot into the net from a tight angle.

North Korea had been frustrating the five-time World Cup champions through unselfish team play, forcing Brazil to rely on long-range shots.

Michel Bastos was wide with a 51st-minute free kick, and Robinho fired a shot off target two mintes later.

North Korea’s lone forward, Jong Tae Se, dribbled through three tackles but his 11th-minute shot was saved by Julio Cesar.