Brazil opt for Italy-based talent against North Korea

Brazil coach Dunga has relied heavily on his Italy-based players in defence as they open their World Cup campaign against North Korea on Tuesday.

Brazil are bidding to win their sixth World Cup title and the last time they lost their opening match at the global tournament was 76 years ago when Spain inflicted a 3-1 defeat on the South Americans.

Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar is between Brazil’s posts while his Champions League winning team-mates Maicon and captain Lucio will marshall the left side of the defence.

AS Roma’s Juan is at centre-back and Juventus’ Felipe Melo is on the left side of the midfield for the Group G clash.

Up front, Robinho partners Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano, while Real Madrid’s Kaka will play just behind the strikers.

Little is known of this North Korean team apart from the dazzling talent of forward Jong Tae Se – who has been dubbed ‘the Wayne Rooney of Asia – as his side look to topple the South American giants.

Brazil

Goalkeeper: Julio Cesar – Maicon, Lucio (capt), Juan, Bastos – Felipe Melo, G Silva, Kaka, Elano – Robinho, Luis Fabiano

Coach: Dunga (BRA)

North Korea

Goalkeeper: Ri Myong Guk – Cha Jong Hyok, Ri Jun II, Ri Kwang Chon, Ji Yun Nam, Pak Choi Jin – Pak Nam Choi, Mun In Guk, An Yong Hak – Jong Tae Se, Hong Yong Jo (capt)

Coach: Kim Jong Hun (PRK)

Referee: Viktor Kassai (HUN)