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North Korea v Ivory Coast Preview

Mark_S — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:12:22 +0000

Sven Goran Eriksson’s Ivory Coast are all but out of the 2010 World Cup but will be looking to go out with pride when they face a North Korea side who were trounced 7-0 by Portugal.

Didier Drogba will start upfront for Ivory Coast, most likely in tandem with Gervinho, who will replace Aruna Dindane in the starting line up.

Midfielder Didier Zokora is among five Ivorian players to be one card away from suspension. The others include Keita, Tiene and Tiote.

North Korea are also out of contention, but will be looking for a better performance before they return home than the one they showed against Portugal.

Coach Kim Jong-hun is set to play a more defensive formation than the one that capitulated so badly last time out.

KICK-OFF: FRIDAY JUNE 25th 15:00 GMT

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Portugal vs North Korea Preview

Mark_S — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:14:35 +0000

Midfielder Deco is rated doubtful for Portugal, while North Korea are unlikely to make any changes from the side that performed so well against Brazil.

Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz may bring former Chelsea man Tiago into midfield to replace Deco, who has a hip problem.

Also set to start for Portugal is midfielder Simao, who was a substitute in Portugal’s opening match against Ivory Coast. Simao will replace Danny on the left side of midfield.

Eduardo will again start in goal after recovering from illness this week.

North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun has no injuries or suspensions to contend with and is expected to start with the same eleven that narrowly lost 2-1 to Brazil.

KICK-OFF: MONDAY JUNE 21st 12:30 GMT

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Brazil vs North Korea Preview

Nick Lewis — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:44:13 +0000

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar has recovered from a back injury while North Korea will hand a World Cup debut to Jong Tae Se, a player described as the ‘Asian Wayne Rooney’.

Also in line for starts for Kim Jong-hun’s side are fellow striker (and top scorer) Hong-Yong Jo and midfield playmaker An Yeong-Hak.

For Brazil, Cesar’s return to fitness means that Spurs ‘keeper Heurelho Gomes will have to be content with a place on the bench.

Luis Fabiano will lead the line for Dunga’s side, with support coming from two former Manchester City players in the shape of Elano and Robinho.

Kaka will start, despite an injury hit season with Real Madrid.

KICK-OFF: TUESDAY JULY 15th 19:30 GMT

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