Mere formality. But the Brazil and Portugal match rather than being a classy showcase for all that talent was more an ill tempered brawl. The match ended in a draw, the first time since 1978 that Brazil failed to score, in a 0-0 draw with Spain.
Pepe’s nasty tackle on Felipe Melo set off petty retaliation after retaliation. Dunga had to substitute Melo before half time to protect him from what could be a disastrous expulsion. Seven bookings in the first half speaks for itself.
The Portugese were content to soak up all the Brazilian pressure and send Cristiano Ronaldo off on the occasional counterattack. Understandably conservative but it did not make for scintillating football and after all the drama of the preceding days, quite anti- climactic.
Brazil advance capturing top spot with Portugal as runners up. Which means that Spain and Chile will be even more determined to come up with a win.