Day 5 preview — Ivory Coast vs Portugal; Brazil vs North Korea

By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

After Germany’s four-goal victory against Australia, Day 4 bucked the low-scoring trend in the World Cup so far with only five goals scored in the three games played.

Big guns Holland and Italy failed to achieve convincing starts; The Oranje required an own goal and a late goal to seal a 2-0 victory over the Danes, while the defending champions stuttered to a 1-1 draw. However, Japan ensured a second successive Asian victory after grinding out a 1-0 win against Cameroon.

Let’s move on to Day Five where the much-awaited opening clashes in the “Group of Death” see Portugal take on dark horses Ivory Coast while five-time winners Brazil take on mystery men North Korea.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo lead Portugal to a winning start? Or will Sven-Goran Eriksson break his personal voodoo of losing to the same opponents in two successive major championships?

Will Dunga prove to the world that his team’s post-Samba football era is effective? Or will North Korea forward Jong Tae-Se live up to his promise of scoring one goal per game?

Let our Group G pundits Dilip Thapa and Ryson Yap bring you a preview of the two clashes tonight.

Ivory Coast vs Portugal

Dilip Says: 2-1 to Portugal

This is a clash between Portugal, the finalist at Euro 2004 and semi-finalists at World Cup 2006, and Ivory Coast, arguably the strongest African country in the World Cup. It will be an important one as the winner stands a very high chance of qualifying for the next round. This means that both teams will go onto the field with only one mentality – to win. I doubt neither of them will hold back and defend, but instead try to score as soon as they can. I expect this match to be fast-paced with many shots at goal.

Portugal are seasoned campaigners in major tournaments led by Cristiano Ronaldo – the most expensive player in football history, and certainly the player to watch. Playing alongside him are stars like Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe.

On the other hand, befitting their status as one of the continent’s powerhouses, Ivory Coast strode through qualifying without losing a match. They also have their own stars like Chelsea’s pair Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, a formidable duo up front, with Sevilla’s Didier Zokora and Barcelona’s Yaya Toure providing bite in midfield alongside Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure.

I think it will be a very close match with every man cancelling out one another. Yet there is a glimmer of hope that a piece of magic from Cristiano Ronaldo may separate the two sides at the end.

Ryson Says: 2-1 to Portugal
I think it will be a close fight with Portugal edging out Ivory Coast by a goal because they possess players like Deco and Ronaldo who can create many chances for their country.

However i think Ivory Coast will put up a physical side which will make it harder for Portugal.

Player to Watch (Ivory Coast): Didier Drogba

Player to Watch (Portugal): Cristiano Ronaldo

These two players have the ability to change the game.

More News
Didier Drogba waits on FIFA decision
Kolo Toure takes aim at Portugal
Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson in focus
Deco backs Cristiano Ronaldo to find form
Portugal expects from Cristiano Ronaldo

Brazil vs North Korea

Dilip Says: 3-0 to Brazil

It’s hard to look past the five-time winners because they have made three of the past four World Cup finals and won two in 1994 and 2002. They also won the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa. With such consistency, it gives me confidence to say that Brazil will be the country lifting the championship trophy this year. The only obstacle that can come between them and the trophy would be themselves.

Furthermore, Brazil have a point to prove after a poor showing in the last World Cup that saw them knocked out at the quarter-final stage by France, and hence without doubt they will be hungrier then ever. Their foundation looks strong ahead of this tournament. Just 11 goals conceded in 18 qualifying matches silenced many of their defensive doubters. It is fair to say that they have one of their most solid backlines in recent years, with outstanding athletes like Lucio and Maicon giving little away.

On the other hand, North Korea have not played in a World Cup since 1966. With a lack of experience, it is expected that the Asians will adopt a defensive game plan, and rely on the counter-attack. Motivation will hardly be lacking, and neither will fitness, but creativity and individual expression are unlikely to be in full flow.

The first 15 to 20 minutes will be very crucial for them as they have to comprehend the Brazilian style as quick as possible.

As much as I want an Asian country to excel in the World Cup, I would also love to watch Brazil “samba-ing” their way with beautiful touches on the field. If they do so, it will no doubt be a one-sided match.

Player to Watch (Brazil): Kaka and Luis Fabiano
Kaka who embodies this Brazil side in attack. He boasts superb technique and with the physical strength to fend off aggressive opponents.

He orchestrates much of the play, with striker Luis Fabiano finishing off his moves. Fabiano is also the top scorer in their qualifying campaign.

Players to watch (North Korea): Hong Yong-Jo and Jong Tae-Se
The two strikers are the only few players that are allowed to ply their trade outside the country. They have impressive goal-to-game ratios.

Ryson Says: 3-0 to Brazil
I think Brazil will have a higher chance of winning with their experience in the World Cup as well as their individual players who can change the game at any point in the match.

Brazil’s playing style is just filled with creativity and beautiful football when they are at the very best.

However, i think North Korea will put up a tough fight in the first half.

Players to watch: Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano

More News
Brazilian coach Dunga’s decisions baffles local public
ESPN Soccernet:Uncovering the North Korean mystery
BBC Sport: North Korea, the World Cup’s mystery men
North Korea coach Kim Jong-Hun aiming for a shock
North Korea midfielder An Yong-Hak speaks

Group G	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
BRAZIL	3	2	1	0	5	2	+3	7
PORTUGAL	3	1	2	0	7	0	+7	5
IVORY COAST	3	1	1	1	4	3	+1	4
NORTH KOREA	3	0	0	3	1	12	-11	0

For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/

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