Reputation counts for nothing in Brazil v North Korea

10 April 2012

If there is one nation at the World Cup you can be sure won't be afraid of a country with a big reputation it is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

They have already proved on the political scene to be no shrinking violets when it comes to challenging USA's authority and tonight they will be looking to do the same with mighty Brazil on the football pitch.

At first glance it is one of the biggest mis-matches in the tournament. North Korea, who are only playing in their second World Cup, are up against the record five-times winners.

Still, back in 1966 they beat Italy 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals and if Supreme Leader Kim Jong-il can supply tactical advice to coach Kim Jong-Hun through a cell phone device like he reportedly did during qualifying, then anything is possible.

The confidence of their controversial Leader is certainly evident in the national team. Midfielder An Yong-Hak feels it will be Kaka and Co who will have most to fear at Ellis Park.

"The mentality for victory, strong organisational power and unity in fighting - these attributes are further ahead in us than the Brazil team, I think," said Yong-Hak.

"We are grouped with Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast, but we will do our best with strong mentality and organisational power in order to send good news to our country and people."

There is no shortage of optimism from Jong-Hun either, despite his side being 104 places below leaders Brazil in FIFA's latest world rankings.

He said: "Our Group G opponents are very strong but, in football, the best teams don't necessarily win. We will give it our best. We know we need to win to reach the knockout phase, so no matter who we're up against, we'll target the three points.

"Our rivals are expecting to see us focus on defence but our game is not all about playing cautiously."

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