FIFA World Cup 2010 – Korea DPR vs. Ivory Coast Preview
Asian hopefuls Korea DPR was given the toughest of the groups in South Africa 2010. They were paired with Brazil - the number one team in the world rankings. Then came Portugal, who have never failed to impress in almost any of the recent World Cups. The third team in the group, Ivory Coast will face-off against Korea in today’s crucial game.
The Koreans started their African Safari against Brazil. The result was nothing, but obvious. Korea was beaten by the Brazilian team without any hassle. On a positive note, the defending on display by the Asian team was remarkable. They did not let Brazil make a breakthrough in the first half of the game. In the second half, the Brazilians started to find a few gaps in the defence of the Koreans. Then, a fabulous goal from the number two Brazilian, Maicon, from a difficult angle resulted in a goal. At this moment, the South Americans lead by one goal to nil. Later, an amazing through ball from Robinho was given to Elano, who made no mistake in finishing it to confirm their win over the Asian representation in their group. Soon, Brazil started to take the opponents a bit too easy and they found the net to make the final score line to two goals to one. So, a goal from Elano sealed the deal for the Brazilians to give them three points in their first game.
The South Americans, like always, have been really impressive in this World Cup. They are still unbeaten, just like Chile in group H. There second match was against the African Elephants, Ivory Coast where the African boys played really well, but could not win this match because they lacked the finishing skills. Brazil on the other hand, scored three goals while the Africans got a consolation at the end to finish the game at three goals to one.
The third team, Portugal have done nothing less than impressive so far. They smashed the Koreans with a seven nil victory over them. Christiano Ronaldo finally got his first international goal in this particular match. Due to the fact that the Portuguese won the match from the Koreans with such a huge goal difference, it is going to be hard for the African giants to be a part of the next round.
Ivory Coast has to beat the Koreans in today's match with at least an eight goal margin and hope that the Brazilians defeat the Portuguese in the other match with the same margin. In that case only will Ivory Coast qualify for the round of 16. Today’s match is not a dead rubber though. Since the match between the Elephants and the Portuguese ended up in a goalless dead lock, therefore, one cannot totally count them off. Striker Didier Drogba, who has had an amazing season in the English Premier League with the highest number of goals, will fight it out for Ivory Coast. At least, the match itself is expected to be a competitive one.
This match is only going to affect this group if the Asians face a humiliating defeat against the African Elephants just like they were beaten by the Portuguese. The other match featuring Portugal and Brazil will affect this group though. It is going to decide whether Portugal or Brazil are going to top the group. Not forgetting the fact that Ricardo Kaka, the Brazilian number ten is out of this match due to a red card he suffered in the match against Ivory Coast. Let’s see whether the Portuguese will make an impressive move and beat the number one team in the world or will the South Americans look for an unbeaten streak just like the Argentineans did in their group.
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