North Koreans Spring Surprise in South Africa

When group G was announced and the likes of Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast were named, no one really gave North Korea a ghost of a chance to register even a point or a goal during the group stages. However, in their opening game against the 5-time World Cup champions Brazil, North Korea put forth a display to show that they are no push-overs.

North Korea, as it would have been expected, defended and were pinned back and happy to soak up the pressure for large spells of the game. Defended they did and with great effect at that. The North Korean team was solid and disciplined, holding the Brazilians at bay for the first half. They set up in well organized defensive lines, and allowing very little space to the Brazilian forwards. During the whole of the first half, Brazil were relegated to long range efforts and the threats of Kaka and Luis Fabiano were thoroughly neutralized. The North Koreans did not simply sit back though, they pressed high in midfield and did not allow Brazil to impose themselves on the game. In fact Robinho was the only one who really threatened, showing quick feet and clever touches to try to break through the Korean back-line. It would only be ten minutes into the second half when Maicon found the back of the net. Indeed whether it was by design or good fortune, Maicon's shot - which looked an awful lot like he had meant to cross in my opinion - fizzed past the North Korean keeper at his near-post. The Brazilians would find the back of the net once more at the 72nd minute when Elano one-timed Robinho's lovely threaded ball in the back of the net. It put an end to a spirited and defiant performance from the tournament's mystery team and showed all that they are not to be underestimated.

The most impressive aspect of this North Korean side is not simply its defensive solidity however. The ball movement of the North Korean team was quite good. Their passing was accurate, crisp, and full of intent. In truth they kept the ball quite well and moved it forward with some good effect. The two forwards were very impressive as well, holding the ball well and giving their teammates time to move up and then play them in. The movement of the team as a whole was impressive, always playing as a unit. They attacked effectively and intently on the counter, albeit lacked a bit of a cutting edge, and quickly recovered their defensive shape as soon as they lost the ball. All this culminated in a well worked goal - taking advantage of Brazil's defensive enfeeblement after Dunga withdrew Felipe Melo for Ramires late in the game - as North Korea stunned the World Cup giants.

North Korea showed real quality and interesting potential in their World Cup opener. Maicon's opener was a heart-wrencher which put an end to North Korea's brave defensive display. Although it is still a long shot for them to earn qualification, the World Cup minnows have shown that they are not to be brushed aside easily. Portugal and Ivory Coast will need to take their game against North Korea very seriously after their opening game draw, as they will make it very difficult for both of them. This so-called group of death has indeed only become all the more interesting. After all, the most dangerous thing is to play a team that has nothing to lose.