Brazil, North Korea level at 0-0 after 30 minutes as underdogs start well in Group H match

Brazil, North Korea level at 0-0 after 30 minutes

JOHANNESBURG — North Korea is showing no signs of being intimidated by Brazil, holding the five-time World Cup winner at 0-0 after 30 minutes of their Group G match on Tuesday.

After a tentative start, the tournament’s lowest-ranked side began to impose its neat, short passing style on the game.

The defensive-minded North Koreans played with only Japan-based Jong Tae Se in attack. Jong worked alone to dribble through three tackles in the 11th minute, though his shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Brazil threatened in the second minute but An Yong Hak dispossessed Kaka as he prepared to shoot.

Brazil’s Maicon struck a powerful 27th-minute shot that was pushed away by goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk.