Portugal v North Korea

TEAM NEWS

Deco has been ruled out for Portugal after he twisted his hip in training.
Tiago is likely to be drafted in and coach Carlos Queiroz is also expected to pick Simao in place of Danny, who was ineffectual in the match with the Ivory Coast.
North Korea could stick with the same side that impressed in their opening game with Brazil.
There has been no official confirmation whether the players that were listed as absent from the substitute's bench in that game will be selected.

MATCH PREVIEW

For fans of a certain age, Portugal v North Korea at a World Cup brings back misty-eyed memories of the famous quarter-final at Goodison Park in 1966. The unfancied Koreans raced into a stunning 3-0 lead after just 24 minutes before a sensational four-goal burst from the great Eusebio restored order and helped Portugal win 5-3.
Portugal now need an Eusebio-style performance from Cristiano Ronaldo against the Koreans if they are to get out of group G. Although he sparkled in patches against the Ivory Coast, it is almost two years since he scored a competitive international goal and is treading a disciplinary tight rope ahead of the decisive final game with Brazil, after Fifa rejected his appeal against the yellow card he got in the opening game.
More strange goings on surround the North Koreans. After an excellent performance in defeat to Brazil, they retreated straight back into their shells and bizarrely continue to conduct work out sessions at a public gym in Pretoria. There has still not been an explanation why four of their players were listed as absent from the substitute's bench against Brazil, amid rumours that they tried to defect.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has said that his team "have to put our cards on the table and attack," but as the Koreans showed against Brazil, that is no easy feat. North Korea only had 28 per cent of possession in that game yet the defensive screen they put up proved to be a source of great frustration to the Brazilians, and the Portuguese will need the cunning and guile of Ronaldo to help secure a crucial three points.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
- This is the second meeting between the sides. Their only previous encounter was at the 1966 World Cup quarter-finals with Portugal winning 5-3.

Portugal

-Portugal have conceded just two goals in their last 10 internationals and have kept a clean sheet in 78.3 % of matches they have played under Carlos Queiroz, a higher percentage than any other manager in their history.
- They are are on a run of four games without a win at the World Cup, their worst-ever drought in the competition.
- Portugal and Italy are the only two sides to have played South and North Korea at World Cups.

North Korea

- North Korea became only the third side, after Japan and Costa Rica, from outside of Europe or South America to score against Brazil at the World Cup.
- The three goals North Korea scored against Portugal in the 1966 World Cup remains the only time in which an Asian side has scored three times in a World Cup match.
- North Korea have lost five and drawn three of their last eight games.
One booking from suspension: Ronaldo (Portugal)

MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Pablo Pozo (Chile)
Assistants: Patricio Basualto & Francisco Mondria (Chile)
Fourth official: Jerome Damon (South Africa)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_30/default.stm

Come on North Korea, do it for the glorious leader.

CCCCCRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOONNNNNNNAAAAALLLLLLLDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOO

Are there salt mines in Korea DPR? Dear Leader will not be happy.