Portugal and Ivory Coast play to draw in Group of Death

Nothing was settled in the opening game of the Group of Death at the 2010 World Cup as Portugal and Ivory Coast played out a scoreless draw.  It was no surprise at all as the only thing both teams had to risk was losing.  A loss would have basically eliminated either squad.  Niether goalkeeper was tested at all on the night with the only close call being a Cristiano Ronaldo longrange drive that hit the post in the first half. 

The real drama of the night was how many times Cristiano Ronaldo would go to ground and how many times Kolo Toure would need injury treatment.  Otherwise both sides played it tight.  The Ivory Coast made a little push in the final minute, but Portugal held strong for the point.  Didier Drogba made a late appearance, but did not see enough of the ball to be influential.

Now the Group of Death can really get going.  Assuming Brazil play to their typical level the second spot to advance will be decided by how Portugal and the Ivory Coast play in their final two matches.  It will be a fight to see who can play Brazil the closest and then who can beat North Korea the worst.  More than likely advancement will be decided on goal differential.