Brazil kicks off their World Cup 2010 mission on 15 June when they take on North Korea at the Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg. This would be the first ever meeting between the two sides. While North Korea is looking to replicate their 1966 success, Brazil is hoping to clinch their 6th World Cup title in South Africa.
Time
The match begins at 18:30 GMT (20:30 local time). Football fans in Brazil and North Korea can watch the match from 15:30. Fans in USA can watch the match from 14:30 (New York time) and 11:30 (California time).
Live Score
Following website address would provide live score of the match:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/
North Korea surprised the football world 44 years back when they defeated Italy 1-0 in a Group match of 1966 World Cup held in England and eventually got into the quarter final where they squandered off a 3-0 lead only to lose 5-3 against Portugal. This year’s tournament is North Korea’s only second World Cup appearance and North Korean fans are expecting a lot from their players.
Even though North Korea is ranked 105th in FIFA ranking, Brazil can not just get relaxed ahead of the opening match against North Korea. The main reason behind the Samba boys being worried about the match is that they are going to face a relatively unknown team whose players have little exposure in world football. Only 3 out of 23 players of the Korean squad are currently involved in the clubs outside North Korea.
Moreover, North Korea always keeps a low profile in the media, most specifically in the Western media. So, little has been known about the North Korean players, and the team’s strength and weakness.
Brazil is believed to be trying their best to get as much information about the North Koreans as possible. It has been reported that North Korea generally takes the defensive route and has a very strong defense. So, it seems that the players like Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano would face a tough test against the North Korean defense.
However, it does not mean that North Korea lacks quality going forward. Captain Hong Yong-Jo was their highest scorer in the qualifying round and would lead their attack against Brazil. Kawasaki Frontale striker Jong Tae-Se would pair up with his captain in North Korea’s forward line up.
It is a ‘must win’ match for Brazil, considering the fact that they would face Ivory Coast and Portugal in their next two games in Group G which can be dubbed as a ‘group of death’. Even a draw against North Korea would make the task tougher for the Selecaos.
Brazil coach Dunga has been fully criticized for not taking the route of artistic football that Brazil is well-known for and would feel the pressure if Brazil loses point against North Korea. However, Brazil has a very good attacking line up in the presence of Kaka, Robinho and Fabiano. This line up while playing at their best can tear apart any defense.
Brazil’s number one goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, returned to training few days ago after recovering from his back injury sustained during the 3-0 win over Zimbabwe recently. So, Cesar is most likely to start against North Korea.
Overall, it could be a one-sided affair, given the difference between Brazil and North Korea in the FIFA ranking which should be quite reflective of the difference between the two sides in terms of quality and class. However, Brazil may start it safely as there is lack of information about North Korea.
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