Portugal, North Korea look for crucial win

CAPE TOWN: Portugal and North Korea clash in a game crucial to their World Cup fortunes, reviving memories of their classic encounter at the 1966 World Cup. The Portuguese were held to a goalless draw by Ivory Coast while North Korea lost 2-1 to Brazil.

North Korea’s danger man is their striker Jong Tae-Se, who has attracted the attention of VfL Bochum, with the German side interested in signing him. Jong plans to keep himself in the shop window and is keen to get on the score-sheet.

“I’m going to try to improve for the next game and score my first goal,” he said. “Portugal are a top-class team and it is going to be very hard but we’re going to keep trying to make it.”

A concern for Portugal is Ronaldo’s goal-drought for his country with the world’s most expensive footballer not scoring in an official game since the 2008 European Championships.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21^st, 2010.