What: Portugal vs. North Korea, Group G, Matchday 2
When: Monday, June 21, 2010, 7:30 am ET
Where: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
For Portugal, coming off their opening draw with the Ivory Coast, earning three points is a must. But to do that, they will need to find a goal, something that didn’t come in their first game, against Ivory Coast. Cristiano Ronaldo and Liedson will be the key figures, but North Korea, whose tight, disciplined defense held Brazil scoreless for 55 minutes and conceded only two goals in the 2-1 loss, will not break easily.
This match recalls the two sides’ only other previous World Cup meeting, in 1966. In that match, North Korea jumped out to a stunning 3-0 lead before Eusebio led an equally stunning Portuguese comeback. The match finished 5-3 for Portugal. Don’t expect a similar goalfest this time around.
Portugal
The Portuguese feel like they suffered in their opening draw with the Ivory Coast. They failed to create many chances, Ronaldo lacked any real venom, and coach Carlos Quieroz’s decision to bring Deco off sparked a public outcry from the player and an immediate apology.
Deco will be off the field when this one starts, a victim of a hip injury picked up in training. Any suggestions that the injury is a cover for something more deep-seated were put to rest by Quieroz. "There is absolutely no room for any conjecture or speculation, he simply felt the pain while training," the coach said.
More importantly, Quieroz needs to find someone to score. Ronaldo, the captain, must attack the North Korean backline constantly, while creator Simao, who came off the bench against the Ivory Coast, looks set to start.
North Korea
The confidence oozing from the North Koreans is astounding. Sure, they lost to Brazil in their opener, but it was a loss that felt like a win. Portugal, according to North Korean quote-machine/striker Jong Tae-Se, will not be quite the same challenge.
“We started this World Cup against one of the biggest teams in the world and I think there’ll be less pressure against Portugal,” he said. “We have a real chance of winning this match.”
All week, leading up to the match, the North Koreans’ political baggage has made things bizarre. First, rumor surfaced that four players had defected, before they all showed up for training. Then a press conference was canceled at the last minute. How will all the chaos affect them on the field?
Players to Watch
Portugal: Pedro Mendes. A quiet game against the Ivory Coast, the Sporting midfielder must impose himself in the attack.
North Korea: Ri Myong-Guk. The 23-year-old goalkeeper was beaten by Maicon’s near-post shot, but he showed great composure and an athletic shot stopping ability. He’ll need it on Monday.
Final Analysis
This is Portugal’s three points to lose. If they give the Chollima a glimmer of hope, though, those points could disappear, regardless of the disparity in talent.
