Brazil beat Australia 2-0

Brazil labored to a 2-0 victory over the Australians to register their second win of the tournament and progress into the last 16. It wasn't a pretty sight, in fact there was hardly any semblance of the Brazilian samba which the world had come to expect.

Australia, playing in only their second finals, held their own against the five-times world champions who had to rely on a piece of clinical finishing by striker Adriano and a late goal from Fred to win their second game in Group F. Adriano scored with a left-foot drive from the edge of the box in the 49th minute and Fred, just on as a substitute, added the second two minutes from time with a tap-in.

Soccer Pundit feels that the Australians looked more threatening in the first half with more shots on goal. They controlled the game well while the Brazilians gave a muted performance. Kaka and Ronaldinho were not able to impose their style on the game while Ronaldo was seriously lacking in match fitness and sharpness. He did help out in the game by providing some passes but other than that, he was not much of a threat.

Brazil can go through the group stages but something is not quite right with this team. They seem vulnerable and there is no longer an air of supremacy. After looking at the two games, opponents may feel more confident about taking on Brazil and even defeat them.

For three World Cups since Ronaldo emerged on the world stage, Brazil's fate has been closely intertwined with his form; if he doesn't score, Brazil had to struggle to win but if he scores, Brazil will terrorise the opponents. The Brazilians will need Ronaldo to be at his very best soon, otherwise an elimination for Brazil is a very real possibility. Meanwhile Austrailia looks set to join them in the last 16 with Japan and Croatia having only one point from two games.