Brazil pledge to respect N. Korea in opener

Brazilian midfielder Elano said yesterday the five-times world champions would approach their tie against North Korea like any other match despite the veil of mystery shrouding their opponents.

Brazil open their campaign on Tuesday against North Korea in Johannesburg before facing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal and Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast in the 'Group of Death'.

Elano, who plays for Galatasaray, told reporters at Brazil's team base that North Korea were a strong outfit with a good midfield.

"We have to respect North Korea just like any other good team in the world," he told a packed press conference, adding he had watched the team on TV and on his computer.

North Korea have been keeping a low profile in South Africa, banning reporters on Monday from watching training and speaking to players, in sharp contrast to Brazil's more open approach.

Elano, who played under Ivory Coast manager Sven-Goran Eriksson when he was at Manchester City, said his appointment would boost the African side.

"I played my first year in England with him and I was lucky," he said, adding: "He's a guy that I really respect.

"Ivory Coast is a really good team with great players and they are even stronger with Eriksson. I'm looking forward to meeting him."

Barcelona defender Dani Alves said last year's Confederations Cup win was a major plus for Brazil.

"It was good for us because we had a chance to feel the atmosphere, to understand how it works, the distance, the food."