North Korea came close to greatest World Cup upset

In a tournament starved of goals and attacking play I, like many people, was looking for some Brazilian flair when they took to the field against North Korea.

The one constant in World Cup finals history has been the thrilling presence of the South Americans who consistently offer thrilling, creative, forward thinking football. The World Cup betting odds make them second favourites for the tournament.
Add to that the fact they were playing the lowest ranked country in the competition and predictions of a cricket score were not too unrealistic.

But no one counted on a spirited performance from the mysterious North Korean side.
Why mysterious? Well, with their secretive communist regime a constant influence on all they do information on their preparations have been hard to come by.

They have spent much of their time hidden away in training camps in their own country or, after touching down in Africa, their isolated training camp in Zimbabwe - they are the only team not to be based in South Africa itself.

There's also talk of the match being censored back home by leader Kim Jong Il if they should lose, while it was reported Chinese nationals had been hired to support the team in South Africa.

Most fans were fascinated to see how the North Koreans would play they were, after all, massive outsides in the 2010 World Cup odds.

And credit must go to them as they defied all pre-match expectations by pushing Brazil all the way. They were extremely organised at the back, deliberately choosing to stand up to their opponents and not sliding in with reckless tackles. Although their attacks were limited they did show desire to go forward, meaning it was not the procession most people expected.

In the end though, the class of Brazil told, with Maicon's brilliant shot and Elano's cool finish from a defence splitting Robinho pass putting Brazil 2-0 up.
But Ji Yun-nam's excellent control and finish late on gave the Koreans a deserved goal.

It wasn’t the goal fest many expected but the brave fight of the plucky underdog gave the competition its biggest boost to date and won the North Koreans many admirers, showing once again how football in 90 minutes can break down political barriers.