World Cup Group G preview: Brazil v North Korea
Five-time champions Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign today against probably the easiest draw in the round of 32.
North Korea shouldn’t pose a threat to Brazil with Dunga’s men experienced and talented enough to see off any threat the North Koreans may pose and in all likelihood the match will have an exhibition feel to it.
Surprisingly this isn’t Korea’s first appearance at a finals. Forty-four years ago, in 1966, was the year England won their only World Cup, but cast your eye back to the quarter-final stage and you will see North Korea in the draw.
Drawn in the “group of death” Korea won’t be making it that far again and with Brazil in the first game their tournament could be over before it's even started.
The focus of course will be on Brazil and how the Selecao perform, anything less than 3-0 and a dominating performance won’t be tolerated back in Brazil.
Robinho, Kaká and Luis Fabiano will all look to put in good performances and get their World Cup off to a good start. Brazil have only lost two opening games at a World Cup – in 1930 and 1934 – and that run doesn’t look to be at threat today.
Goalkeeper Julio Cesar is the only injury worry for Brazil but is expected to play after missing their final warm-up game against Tanzania. Ramires could start in midfield after scoring twice in the friendly, but with Dunga’s preference for Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo in the centre of midfield he might go with his strongest team from the outset.
There are no reports of any injury problems from the Korean camp but Kim Myong-Won won’t be able to take part unless it’s in goal after North Korea tried to register the striker as a third goalkeeper, but that was vetoed by Fifa.
They might have more chance if they played all three ‘keepers in goal.
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