By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
South Africa, Tuesday, June 16, 2010 — Five-time winners versus second ever appearance in the World Cup and 105 places separating the two sides in the FIFA World ranking, the contrast between both teams could not be greater as it threatened to be a big mismatch.
However the predicted goal glut for the Brazilians did not happen as the North Koreans put up a mighty fight to hold them for the first 55 minutes before succumbing 1-2.
Our very own Lions, the Singapore national football team, managed to beat them 2-1 in a friendly three years ago but the first 45 minutes showed how much they have improved since.
They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and took the game to their more illustrious opponents with their intelligent use of the ball and off-the-ball-running.
Jong Tae-Se in particular impressed with his Wayne Rooney-like presence upfront as he held the ball well under pressure from the Brazil defenders. Brazil captain Lucio was even held off on a couple of occasions and he went on a great run past three defenders before shooting straight at Julio Cesar.
Brazil appeared lacklustre with Kaka able to make an impact and Luis Fabiano getting frustrated at the lack of service. The break managed to revitalise them as they broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half with a brilliant effort.
Elano set full back Maicon through on the right side of goal. With the shooting angle against him, he somehow managed to swerve an outer-foot shot into the left corner of the goal.
That goal broke all resistance from North Korea as Brazil scored again on 72 minutes when Elano finished coolly into the bottom left corner of the goal after a great Robinho through pass.
However North Korea was to get the consolation goal they deserved on 88 minutes. A long ball out of defence was flicked on by Jong Tae-Se into the path of midfielder Ji Yun-Nam who broke free and fired cleanly past Brazil keeper Julio Cesar.
The win put Brazil on top of Group G with three points, while North Korea occupies the last position. The next Group G fixtures see Brazil take on Ivory Coast while North Korea face Portugal.
Next our pundit Dilip Thapa provides us his post-match opinions. He predicted a 3-0 Brazil win.
Dilip Thapa of VJC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports archive)
Dilip Says:
Indeed it’s a very shocking result considering the fact its World no. 1, Brazil against the World no.105 North Korea and the difference between both teams is only one goal.
Many around the world, including me, expected the score line to be more of a vast gap. However, North Korea silenced us all with their disciplined and determined work rate. Though Brazil had most of the possession, they lacked the creativity to go past the North Korean defence till the 60th minute. Hopefully they do some reflection on this match and come out stronger and better prepared for the remaining matches. The match was also an eye-opener for Portugal and Ivory Coast as they now know that capability of North Korea.
Man of the Match: Robinho
He has a beautiful ability to dribble and made a lot of penetrating through passes.
Flop of the match : Kaka
Sadly, players of his calibre shouldn’t be passing the ball out of the field.
More News and Reactions
Denial of a wonderful story
North Korea worthy of world stage
Brazil coach Dunga expects better
North Korea Kim Jong-Hun takes comfort despite defeat
Pictures from Day 5
Video highlights of the game
| 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/
Hahahaha, what a game!!! Well spending 90% of your country’s GDP on defence has it’s rewards!! Well done North Korea, Kim Jung I’ll would be proud:)