Brazil 2, Australia 0

Another win, another uninspiring performance from Brazil. After having Eric "Honor" Cantona tell us how the Brazilians play with such joy and love and flair, it'd be nice to actually see it. Australia is not a great team (they were terrible for 85 minutes against Japan), but they played the defending champs closer than the scoreline would indicate. Goals came from Adriano, who is an absolute beast, and Fred, just Fred, who may have the best name ever.

It was another weak showing from Ronaldo. His weight is such a dead horse at this point and I won't beat it any further. But it is fair to wonder whether his continued insertion in the starting lineup (ahead of Robinho) is more about trying to get him the World Cup goals scoring record than him being the best available option. Why not bring Ronaldo in as a second half sub and let him put his limited energy reserves to best use? If Spain can bring Raul in off the bench, and Argentina can use Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez as reserves, then Brazil can do the same with Ronaldo.

The good news for Brazil fans is that their defense, usually where they are most suspect, looked strong today and has yet to concede a goal. Brazil has secured their spot in the next round, but with teams like Argentina and Spain looking formidable, they are going to have to improve if they want to add a 6th trophy to the case.

Goal scorers:

Adriano (49'), Brazil (1-0)
Fred (90'), Brazil (2-0)