Portugal To Fight And Avoid Falling Into Korea DPR’s Pit
For Portugal, overcoming the trap of underdogs North Korea is an imperative task. A Selecção drew goalless against Cote d’Ivoire on Match-day One only to increase the importance of Monday’s encounter against the Asians. Anything else than an expected victory will inflict a lot of anxiety on Portuguese fans as the team’s final group match will be against tournament favorites Brazil.
Midfielder Raul Mereiles assured Portuguese supporters of the squad’s awareness concerning the significance of the Korea DPR match.
“The game is of great importance for us. North Korea will play against us just like they did against Brazil. We watched a bit of that game. We know that they are very strong in defense. They have ten players behind the ball. We are prepared. We will work to overcome this defensive wall and win.”
Having drawn twice already in their last four matches, Portugal will be forced to play at a top level against their Asian counterparts. Through a shocking 0-0 draw, Cape Verde already reminded the Portuguese of how poor they can be in attack despite the numerous chances they can create in a single game.
Besides, the goal difference issue may be key in a group where it could be difficult to separate contenders after Match-day Three. However, Raul Mereiles – whose lone goal against Bosnia Herzegovina sealed Portugal’s qualification into the 2010 World Cup – has revealed that Portugal’s aim was to win anyhow and not necessarily hammer the country that is more than 75 places below them.
“At this point, goals may be important. But winning the game is our first priority. That’s our primary objective and we will work for it. Of course, if we can score more goals, it will be good.”
With the 2010 World Cup tournament yet to enter in its third Day, there has been some surprises already. Spain lost to Switzerland, Greece won their first points with a victory over African giants Nigeria, Algeria avoided defeat against Premier League stars team England, New Zealand held Italy to a draw, and Germany’s World Cup penalty record since 1974 even came to an end as Serbia’s Stojkovic saved Lucas Podolski’s spot kick. It seems there is no guarantee that Portugal, who haven’t impressed since finishing fourth in the 2006 World Cup, will beat the North Koreans
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In addition to the ‘upset factor’ is the fact that all is certainly not well within the Portuguese squad. If Deco doesn’t feature against Korea DPR on Monday, it will be because of the spat that occurred between the player and Coach Carlos Queiroz, O Jogo reports. The midfielder was used in the wings against Cote d’Ivoire and eventually substituted for Tiago just after the hour mark. Deco publically avowed his displeasure at having to perform out of his favorite midfield position and this led to the Portuguese Football Federation reprimanding the veteran.
Lack of unity in the squad is definitely not something that Portugal would want to confront during the 2010 World Cup as the coach is keen to drive away any kind of distraction within the team. Now if Deco’s exclusion could be more positive than negative for the Portuguese, the inclusion of skipper Cristiano Ronaldo may prove to be ruinous. The Real Madrid attacker is already on a yellow card following the brawl he had against Cote d’Ivoire’s Demel on Match-day One and his hot temperament on the pitch is something that could cost Portugal dearly. Kaka is already set to miss Brazil's game against Portugal. It will be wasteful for Cristiano Ronaldo not to take advantage of this condition.
Go North Korea, Shock The World!
For Korea DPR, shocking the world is their main objective. Their pedigree in the world of football defines them as complete outsiders not only of Group G but of the entire 2010 FIFA World Cup competition. However, their 1966 dream World Cup debut as well as their narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Match-day One reveals that the North Koreans surely have what it takes to dash the hopes of top sides.
Perhaps, the Round of 16 isn’t something they’ll reach in South Africa. But if they may go home from the first round, then maybe they will do just enough to block Portugal’s 2010 World Cup hopes.
The North Koreans were close to making a late historic comeback against five-time World Cup champions Brazil on June 15. Forty-four years ago, they were also on the brink of making it to the semifinals of the 1966 World Cup in what was their first and only World Cup tournament until South Africa 2010.
Legend Pak Tu-Ik, who took part in Korea DPR’s famous exploit against Italy before witnessing his team’s 5-3 defeat to Portugal in the quarter-finals, is ecstatic about his country’s achievements. Speaking after Korea DPR’s 2-1 loss against Brazil, the former North Korean international said:
“I never thought I’d see a day like this. That’s a big surprise. North Korean football will continue to shock the world. They put up a tight co-ordination, as well as high skills and good teamwork for that. This result proved our team’s strength. The world was shocked, certainly. Many countries have now recognized us anew.”
Cote d’Ivoire coach Sven Goran Eriksson also revealed his perception about the North Korean team.
“On paper, I agree with Carlos Queiroz, yes. But pay attention to North Korea. You never know. South Korea play good football. If I’m not wrong, South Korea and North Korea were both in the same qualification group. So I think we should respect them. You never know what will happen in the next round of matches and how important the last games will be.”
