When Portugal and North Korea meet in Cape Town in Monday’s Group G duel, the world’s most publicity-hungry player will be pitted against the most private team of the tournament.
The heavily-endorsed Cristiano Ronaldo is seeking to end an international goal drought stretching back to February 2009 against the reclusive North Koreans, who showed they are no mugs in their opening 1-2 defeat to Brazil. Portugal are also looking for their first win after playing out a 0-0 draw with the Ivory Coast. Victory is crucial for the Portuguese, who face the tough challenge of Brazil in their final match.
But they may struggle to break down the stingy North Koreans. North Korea were not overawed by Brazil despite a 44-year absence from the World Cup. Striker Jong Tae-Se, who plays in Japan’s J-League and has more than a hint of the Ronaldo merchandising fetish about him, looked dangerous, although his lack of pace saw him let a few chances slip away.
Coach Carlos Queiroz has said his team will have to gamble, but Portugal must not to attack too freely and thus expose themselves at the back. “The teams will have to take more risks,” he said after his side’s draw with Ivory Coast.