Five-times World Cup winners Brazil were being held 0-0 by Asian minnows North Korea at half-time in their opening Group G match on Tuesday. Despite an attacking line boasting the likes of Kaka and Robinho, the South Americans hardly tested Korean goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk in the opening 15 minutes despite a string of half-chances. Every time Brazil got possession, the North Korean defence worked tirelessly to snuff out the attack. Boasting impressive ball skills, the Koreans attacked mainly through Jong Tae Se - dubbed the Wayne Rooney of Asia - who tested Brazil 'keeper Julio Cesar on several occasions. Jong, who sobbed uncontrollably when his country's national anthem was being played, was sporting a bloodied left thigh after one tussle with right-back Maicon. With half an hour played, Brazil stepped up the pace, but Korea won their first corner of the game on 32 minutes, although defender Ri Kwang Chon fired wide. Kaka had a good chance with five minutes left in the half, but when his shot was blocked, Juventus' Felipe Melo fired over. According to the FIFA rankings, the gulf in class between the two sides will be the biggest of this World Cup, but there was little evidence of North Korea being outplayed on the pitch. 