To progress from the group stages, Brazil and Portugal needed to do nothing at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday. And, disappointingly, that's exactly what fans got.
Despite playing in what was billed a marquee matchup during the tournament buildup, the two sides labored to a scoreless tie that ensured both nations progress to the Round of 16.
Brazil finish the first round as Group G winners, while Portugal are runners up. Their second round opponents will be decided later today.
The game's only real scoring opportunity came midway through the second half when Cristiano Ronaldo played a square pass to Raul Meireles after stumbling through his defender. Meireles met the ball at the far post, but Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar got a hand on the effort to keep the match scoreless.
Nilmar presented Brazil with a half chance early in the first half, arriving at the far post to have a go from close range. However, as the Villarreal striker slid in, he shot the ball off the goalkeeper and onto the post.
Portugal pushed forward on the ensuing breakaway, but Tiago, under a soft challenge, elected to tumble to earn the call. Instead, the ref showed him a yellow card for simulation.
In all there were seven yellow cards in a first half marred by niggling fouls, simulation and overly defensive tactics.
Predictably, Portugal's most effective penetration into Brazil territory came via Ronaldo.
Toward the end of the first half, the Real Madrid forward paced down the left flank and cut in toward goal, but he was well corralled by Brazilian defender Lucio.
Brazil made one final push to score in the waning minutes, but Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo held firm, first saving Lucio's headed effort before tipping away Ramires' speculative shot from 25 yards.
Starting lineups:
Portugal: 1-Eduardo; 2-Bruno Alves, 6-Ricardo Carvalho, 15-Pepe, 23-Fabio Coentrao, 21-Ricardo Costa, 16-Raul Meireles, 19-Tiago, 7-Cristiano Ronaldo, 5-Duda, 10-Danny.
Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio, 4-Juan, 6-Michel Bastos, 5-Felipe Melo, 8-Gilberto Silva, 13-Dani Alves, 21-Nilmar, 19-Julio Baptista, 9-Luis Fabiano.
Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico)
