Source: Daily_Mail
WORLD CUP 2010: Maicon goal was no fluke - Brazil star scored carbon copy against Portugal
It took Brazil almost 55 minutes longer than expected to open the goalscoring against South Korea on Tuesday night - but Maicon's strike from the tightest of angles made up for the wait.Did he mean it? Of course he did, despite the swerving effort being beyond the comprehension of ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley and many of the assembled pundits. He scored from there? Maicon shoots for goal as North Korea goalkeeper Ri Myong-Guk leaves too much room at the near post Tyldesley first called it as an own goal from the keeper - who got nowhere near it - before asking whether the Brazil right back had miss-hit a cross. But the Inter Milan defender was just repeating a strike he had perfected in the 6-2 rout of Portugal back in November 2008.And the much-derided official Jabulani ball played into his hands (if not the keeper's), according to the scorer.Deja vu: Maicon's goal against Portugal (after 2min 56sec).Brazil keepers Julio Cesar and Heurelho Gomes may have lined up to criticise the unpredictable matchball, but Maicon said: 'The ball is favourable for shooting. It is fantastic. But maybe not so good for the goalkeepers. Tribute: scorer Maicon kisses his wedding ring'I just decided to go for the goal and see what happens. I made a similar goal against Portugal in Brasilia.'I am happy with the victory, our first victory and we want to continue on that path in order to achieve our objective and we know what that objective is to be in the final on July 11.'The goal put Brazil on course for a laboured 2-1 win against Group G minnows North Korea, with Elano also on target before Ji Yun-Nam's late consolation.Emotional Maicon was in floods of tears after his strike and the 28-year-old later said: 'It passed through my head everything I had gone through to get to this point: playing in the World Cup.'And to score in the first game? I cried, but I was happy. I kissed my wedding ring for everything that my wide has done for me. It is a thank you for everyone who has been by my side.'Meanwhile, coach Dunga again clashed with Brazilian journalists after the game, saying he was unconcerned by the lacklustre win because it had proved difficult to break down a North Korea team who rarely tried to do anything but defend.Dunga also lauded Robinho, who came in for criticism before quitting Manchester City for a loan return to Santos at the start of 2010.'Robinho has great versatility, he plays multiple positions,' said Dunga. 'I'm happy with his development. 'I remember that last year, when he was at Manchester City and you (journalists) wanted him out of the national team. I remember well, I have an elephant's memory.' Sign up for our daily World Cup emailBrazil 2 North Korea 1: Maicon magic! Wonder goal douses Korean fireIan Ladyman's World Cup diary: Rooney letting his feet do the talkingWORLD CUP BLOG: Maicon's magic exposes the limitations of EnglandCheck out the Group G lowdown in our stats centre