Portugal through after Brazil draw

Portugal confirmed progress to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages unbeaten after a goalless draw with Group G winners Brazil in Durban.

The South Americans had booked their last-16 spot after two wins and, barring disaster, Portugal were always likely to join them, and they will take on neighbours Spain on Tuesday, a day after Brazil play Chile. For large periods both seemed happy with their lots as defences held sway, and even a bright second-half performance from Cristiano Ronaldo failed to inject life into proceedings.

It was not supposed to be this way. The match was a 62,760 sell-out months ago, and another 20,000 crowded into the fan zone outside the stadium in eager anticipation; they largely had to entertain themselves. Niggly and fractious, the first period brought seven yellow cards with Brazil's Felipe Melo withdrawn before the interval as he threatened to earn a second.

There were chinks of light. The lively Nilmar forced Eduardo to tip onto the crossbar on the half-hour mark after ghosting in at the back post and from a similar position Luis Fabiano headed Maicon's looping centre just wide. Yet a repeat of Brazil's 6-2 win the last time these teams met 19 months ago was never on the cards, and as the second half wore on Portugal looked the most likely victors.

Ronaldo was the inspiration, punching holes in the defensive wall of yellow shirts but with scant support. Even when he was joined on his attacking sorties, on the hour, Raul Meireles was unable to keep his poise, chipping wide when Lucio's tackle dropped the ball into his path. Substitute Ramires almost stole it with a late deflected shot but Eduardo's acrobatic save kept it at 0-0.