DPRK's Jong sees Brazilian surprise
Source: Agencies |
June 10, 2010, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
LIFTING the veil of secrecy that has cloaked North Korea since its arrival at the World Cup, striker Jong Tae-se has predicted a shock victory over Brazil.
North Korea, making its first appearance at the World Cup finals since 1966, has cancelled media conferences in South Africa and expelled journalists hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystery men at training.
However, Jong looked the world's media squarely in the eye on Tuesday and said North Korea had nothing to fear from Group G opponents Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.
"The game will be very difficult for us but we will win against Brazil," Jong said, standing with his shoulders back and his chest puffed out proudly.
"Everybody thinks we can't win that game, but we have brave hearts, strong spirits and that can help us make a miracle."
Speaking at the Makhulong Stadium, where a stampede by fans on Sunday left 14 injured and a policeman in a serious condition, Jong said he hoped the World Cup would be an opportunity to put a human face on North Korea.
"North Korea is a mystery, and nobody knows about North Korea," he added. "So I want to change the image of North Korea. Politics and sports is different so we want to change North Korea's image."
Full of endeavour and defensive discipline but lacking true top-class talent, most pundits believe the North will be lucky to earn a point from the group stage.
However, equally little was expected of them 44 years ago when it beat Italy 1-0 to make the quarterfinals in England, then led Portugal 3-0 before a Eusebio-inspired fightback earned the Europeans a 5-3 win.
"I grew up with a video of the 1966 World Cup so I really want to be like that, make a surprise for the world," he said.
Jong said the tough Group G draw suited him just fine.
"Everybody called it the 'Death Group' and when we heard about that group we were surprised," he said. "But I'm happy with that group because before I could only see Kaka and Ronaldo (sitting) in front on TV. Those players are my target, so I'm really looking forward to playing against them."
North Korea faces Brazil in Johannesburg on June 15 before taking on Portugal in Cape Town six days later and Ivory Coast on June 25.
North Korea, making its first appearance at the World Cup finals since 1966, has cancelled media conferences in South Africa and expelled journalists hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystery men at training.
However, Jong looked the world's media squarely in the eye on Tuesday and said North Korea had nothing to fear from Group G opponents Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.
"The game will be very difficult for us but we will win against Brazil," Jong said, standing with his shoulders back and his chest puffed out proudly.
"Everybody thinks we can't win that game, but we have brave hearts, strong spirits and that can help us make a miracle."
Speaking at the Makhulong Stadium, where a stampede by fans on Sunday left 14 injured and a policeman in a serious condition, Jong said he hoped the World Cup would be an opportunity to put a human face on North Korea.
"North Korea is a mystery, and nobody knows about North Korea," he added. "So I want to change the image of North Korea. Politics and sports is different so we want to change North Korea's image."
Full of endeavour and defensive discipline but lacking true top-class talent, most pundits believe the North will be lucky to earn a point from the group stage.
However, equally little was expected of them 44 years ago when it beat Italy 1-0 to make the quarterfinals in England, then led Portugal 3-0 before a Eusebio-inspired fightback earned the Europeans a 5-3 win.
"I grew up with a video of the 1966 World Cup so I really want to be like that, make a surprise for the world," he said.
Jong said the tough Group G draw suited him just fine.
"Everybody called it the 'Death Group' and when we heard about that group we were surprised," he said. "But I'm happy with that group because before I could only see Kaka and Ronaldo (sitting) in front on TV. Those players are my target, so I'm really looking forward to playing against them."
North Korea faces Brazil in Johannesburg on June 15 before taking on Portugal in Cape Town six days later and Ivory Coast on June 25.
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