Ivorians need a miracle
Source: Agencies |
June 25, 2010, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
IVORY Coast will make one last desperate bid to win a place in the World Cup last 16 today when it faces a North Korea side hoping to salvage some national pride in today's Group G finale in Johannesburg.
The West Africans are hoping for a miracle to get out of a tough group after Portugal whipped the Asian team 7-0, notching up an almost insurmountable goal difference that has left the Ivorians searching for divine intervention.
Ivory Coast must beat North Korea by a huge score and hope Brazil overcome Portugal in the other game in the group.
"If we remain in, it will be a great miracle," said defender Arthur Boka. "Only God knows (if we can do it)."
The clash will pit the tournament's fairest team against one of the most physical. North Korea committed only three fouls in the defeat by Portugal while Ivory Coast was penalized for 23 fouls in their fiercely contested match with Brazil.
North Korea's place at the finals has propelled the reclusive nation into the international spotlight and it started well with a brave 1-2 loss to Brazil.
Portugal lauded the fair play of the Asian side, which has committed only 13 fouls and picked up two yellow cards.
Coach Kim Jong-hun has said he will adopt different tactics - probably strengthening his defense - for the game against Didier Drogba's team.
The West Africans are hoping for a miracle to get out of a tough group after Portugal whipped the Asian team 7-0, notching up an almost insurmountable goal difference that has left the Ivorians searching for divine intervention.
Ivory Coast must beat North Korea by a huge score and hope Brazil overcome Portugal in the other game in the group.
"If we remain in, it will be a great miracle," said defender Arthur Boka. "Only God knows (if we can do it)."
The clash will pit the tournament's fairest team against one of the most physical. North Korea committed only three fouls in the defeat by Portugal while Ivory Coast was penalized for 23 fouls in their fiercely contested match with Brazil.
North Korea's place at the finals has propelled the reclusive nation into the international spotlight and it started well with a brave 1-2 loss to Brazil.
Portugal lauded the fair play of the Asian side, which has committed only 13 fouls and picked up two yellow cards.
Coach Kim Jong-hun has said he will adopt different tactics - probably strengthening his defense - for the game against Didier Drogba's team.
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