| |
Korea DPR Camp Focus - World Cup dream over in devastating fashion
After all the pre-tournament confidence, backed up by a solid qualifying campaign, Korea DPR are out of the World Cup. Although qualification was always going to be nigh-on impossible for the un-fancied Chomilla given the group they were drawn in, the manner of their exit was particularly abrasive following Tuesday’s hammering at the hands of Portugal. Coach Kim Jong-Hun took the buck for the humiliating defeat, which ironically was shown live to the North Korean public after the admirable display of the Chomilla against Brazil previously. Kim hinted that no more could have been asked of his players; however it was his own tactical misjudgement which led to the huge margin of defeat. “We couldn't block the attacks, that's why they scored so many. It's my fault for not playing the right strategy.” explained the tactician. Kim also seemed optimistic regarding the reaction to the defeat back in North Korea, insisting that: “Back home, I believe that they will look at our next game and they will be rooting for us to play well.” The game is thought to have been the first ever live broadcast of a North Korean match outside the country. The previous game against Brazil was shown the next day, but the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union in Malaysia has an agreement that games can be shown live in Pyongyang for no charge. However, it is believed to be on the authority of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Il as to whether or not each game will be shown.
No player will be more disappointed to be out of the tournament than striker Jong Tae-Se. The Chomilla forward has displayed the full flamboyancy of his character since arriving in South Africa, exemplified by his outlandish promises of a goal per game, and his emotional reaction to the national anthem as the players lined up to face Brazil. His impressive displays in the pre-tournament friendlies, most notably against Greece, and the Group G clash against Brazil have sparked interest from clubs around Europe. Jong has expressed his desire to play in England, and told of his penchant for Blackburn Rovers as a youngster: “Years ago, I used to train wearing a Blackburn Rovers shirt…In Japan, there were not many people wearing Blackburn shirts. I just went to the shop and bought one because I liked it.” The Lancashire club had Jong on trial in February, and Sam Allardyce may yet go back in for the Asian hit man after his exploits this summer.
Although they cannot now qualify, Korea DPR’s participation in the World Cup has not completely come to an end. They have a match with Sven Goran-Eriksson’s Ivory Coast to contend with, and can still have an influence on who qualifies with Brazil from the unenviable collection of teams that is Group G. Kim Jong Hun insists his North Korean charges will prepare fully for this game, and that the players have quickly regained confidence following the Portuguese massacre. “Though we will not be able to reach our objectives, we have one game left and we will reinforce our mental abilities and prepare well for that match” exclaimed Kim. However, the Coach admits that the Chomilla will have to approach the match differently to the Portugal game in tactical terms. North Korea were given support from Portugal midfielder Tiago, who revealed: “I hope in their third game (against Ivory Coast) they can score and win.” These comments were made at the same time as the former Chelsea midfielder was re-iterating his lack of guilt over beating Korea DPR by such a margin - however he and his Portuguese teammates will genuinely be relying on the Chomilla to spring a surprise and ensure the Selecção progress to the next round. Coach Kim Jong Hun was also backed by the legendary Myong Rye Hyon, who bossed the Chomilla during their famous 1966 run to the World Cup quarter-finals. Myong described Kim as having “a football brain”, and even ranked the Chomilla alongside the best teams in the world in terms of stature: “They qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals after 44 years. They are football powers. A major strong point of the DPR Korea squad is the coach Kim Jong Hun.” According to Myong’s comments, Kim is the man deemed responsible for the Chomilla’s rise back into the football limelight. A repeat of the admirable performance against Brazil in the remaining game versus Ivory Coast will allow Korea DPR to leave South Africa with their heads held high.
See the full list of OLBG's free Football Tips here.
Related Articles
| |