DPRK mulls tactical change
Source: Agencies |
June 23, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
NORTH Korea is pondering a change in tactics for its final Group G match against the Ivory Coast on Friday as it tries to salvage some pride from its first World Cup appearance for 44 years.
The Asian side, which has already been eliminated, want to be remembered more for the disciplined football that drew wide admiration in its opening 1-2 defeat by Brazil than the second-half collapse that saw it thrashed 7-0 by Portugal.
Ivory Coast needs a big win and must hope Brazil beats Portugal to stand any chance of reaching the second round, while the Koreans will be anxious to revive the spirit they showed against the Brazilians which earned so much respect.
"As a coach I think it was my fault for not planning the right strategy," DPRK coach Kim Jong-hun said after Monday's mauling, adding that his side had not been able to balance its attack and defence, making it vulnerable.
"In the final match against Ivory Coast we will have to think over our tactics," he added.
Kim has tended to use a five-man defence behind a holding midfielder with Jon Tae-se left up front alone to use his height and strength to hold the ball up and bring supporting players into the game such as willing captain Hong-Yong-jo.
He changed from 5-1-3-1 to 4-3-3 against Portugal, so may be he would be inclined to return to his favoured five at the back to avoid being overrun again in Cape Town.
A packed defence helped North Korea to keep Brazil at bay for 55 minutes a week ago and it even managed a consolation goal against the world's top ranked team. The Koreans also held Portugal, ranked third, until the 29th minute, mounting attacks throughout the first half before their defence crumbled in the second as the rampant Portuguese recorded their biggest ever World Cup win.
Fair way
Only two North Koreans have picked up yellow cards so far, testament to the fair way in which the Asians have played and which left Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz full of praise, adding he would support North Korea in its last game.
"The North Koreans played in a very dignified manner without fouling any other players and with their heads very high."
"I wish and hope that North Korea will be able to obtain at least one point at this World Cup given their attitude and performance both against Brazil and us," Queiroz said.
North Korean state television aired the full game on Monday in what is believed to be a first for a North Korean football game taking place abroad.
"The Portuguese won the game and now have four points," a commentator said when the match concluded. "We are ending our live broadcast now."
The Asian side, which has already been eliminated, want to be remembered more for the disciplined football that drew wide admiration in its opening 1-2 defeat by Brazil than the second-half collapse that saw it thrashed 7-0 by Portugal.
Ivory Coast needs a big win and must hope Brazil beats Portugal to stand any chance of reaching the second round, while the Koreans will be anxious to revive the spirit they showed against the Brazilians which earned so much respect.
"As a coach I think it was my fault for not planning the right strategy," DPRK coach Kim Jong-hun said after Monday's mauling, adding that his side had not been able to balance its attack and defence, making it vulnerable.
"In the final match against Ivory Coast we will have to think over our tactics," he added.
Kim has tended to use a five-man defence behind a holding midfielder with Jon Tae-se left up front alone to use his height and strength to hold the ball up and bring supporting players into the game such as willing captain Hong-Yong-jo.
He changed from 5-1-3-1 to 4-3-3 against Portugal, so may be he would be inclined to return to his favoured five at the back to avoid being overrun again in Cape Town.
A packed defence helped North Korea to keep Brazil at bay for 55 minutes a week ago and it even managed a consolation goal against the world's top ranked team. The Koreans also held Portugal, ranked third, until the 29th minute, mounting attacks throughout the first half before their defence crumbled in the second as the rampant Portuguese recorded their biggest ever World Cup win.
Fair way
Only two North Koreans have picked up yellow cards so far, testament to the fair way in which the Asians have played and which left Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz full of praise, adding he would support North Korea in its last game.
"The North Koreans played in a very dignified manner without fouling any other players and with their heads very high."
"I wish and hope that North Korea will be able to obtain at least one point at this World Cup given their attitude and performance both against Brazil and us," Queiroz said.
North Korean state television aired the full game on Monday in what is believed to be a first for a North Korean football game taking place abroad.
"The Portuguese won the game and now have four points," a commentator said when the match concluded. "We are ending our live broadcast now."
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