Phillip Buckley
What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Portugal vs North Korea (Group G)
When: Monday 21st June, 2010, at 12:30 UK Time
Where: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
Time for Some Goals
Portugal played out a bore draw with the Ivory Coast in their first group game, and it’s safe to say they’ll be looking to provide a bit more entertainment and goals against the North Koreans. Sven-Goran Eriksson set the Ivory Coast up to frustrate the Portuguese and with the Brazilians to come for both sides it was a little strange to see Portugal settle so readily for the point. "In an opening game you take fewer risks, you don’t throw everything into attack", said coach Carlos Queiroz. While that may be true, it now means this fixture is a must win.
"We’ve been working hard on scoring this week", said striker Liedson in what is at least a message of some hope. "We have to start putting the ball in the net." Whether Portugal will find that easy against a North Korea team that frustrated even Brazil, remains to be seen.
Buoyed by Brazil Display
Coach Kim Jong-Hun’s side shocked the World Cup against Brazil. Expected by many to be a walkover for one of the tournament favourites, the North Koreans were anything but. They were solid in defence, discplined in their play and attacking with purpose when they got the chance. And, as an added bonus, they scored against the Brazilians at the other end too.
The secretive country have extra incentive against the Portuguese. 1966 might seem like a long time ago, but to the North Koreans the pain the Portuguese inflicted in this World Cup in England is still felt. Leading 3-0, North Korea had to endure a legendary comeback, driven by Eusebio, that saw Portugal win 5-3. If North Korea can erase that stain on their footballing history then their Dear Leader Kim Jong-il will rightly hail the current crop as heros.
Recent form
Portugal:
Portugal 3-1 Cameroon (01/06; Friendly)
Portugal 3-0 Mozambique (08/06; Friendly)
Portugal 0-0 Ivory Coast (15/06; World Cup – Group G)
North Korea:
Greece 2-2 North Korea (25/05; Friendly)
Nigeria 3-1 North Korea (06/06; Friendly)
Brazil 2-1 North Korea (15/06; World Cup – Group G)
Players to watch
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo: The Real Madrid wizard was the bright spot in an otherwise very dull opening game for Portugal, cracking a long range effort that made watching the game worthwhile for many spectators. Wearing the captain’s armband, Ronaldo will be expected to lead his troops to a comprehensive crushing of the North Koreans. He should be at the centre of all Portugal do.
North Korea – Jong Tae-Se: One of the few players in the North Korea squad to play his football outside the country – Tae-Se turns out in the Japanese league – the striker already has 16 goals in 25 appearances. Hugely passionate about North Korea, Jong Tae-Se cried during the national anthem against Brazil and has spoken of his belief that the World Cup can change the country’s image. A key man for the North Koreans and one who will need to take what few chances he gets.
Match prediction
Portgual have put themselves in a situation where a win is needed against North Korea. The pressure on Cristiano Ronaldo and co. will be huge, but the Portuguese have enough quality to make the goalscoring opportunities that can win the game. From North Korea, expect a repeat of the stubborn display seen against Brazil, with quick counter attacks whenever possible. This looks like a Portugal win, but a low scoring one.
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