Props to North Korea

I would just like to make a quick note about how impressed I was with North Korea this evening, despite losing 2 - 1 to Brazil. The David vs. Goliath match-up saw world number 1s Brazil frustrated by the lowest ranked team in the tournament (105th in the world) for 55mins. I wasn't really going to bother writing reviews of games other than England, and possibly those at the knock-out stage, but this was genuinely a great game and probably the best of the tournament so far. North Korea played with so much heart that by the end of the match it was hard not to be rooting for them.

Brazil broke the deadlock after a goalless first-half as North Korea blocked and stifled every Brazilian move. Only after half-time did Maicon, in what was intended to be a drilled cross into the box, blast the ball past Myong-Guk Ri's near post. But that's the thing with Brazil, if it were any other team you would have called it a fluke. Robinho, the most lively player in an otherwise drab Brazil team, then slotted a through ball for Elano to superbly side foot to make it two with 18mins to go. North Korea got the consolation goal they deserved just before the end when Yun-Nam Ji controlled brilliantly, showing great composure to fire past Julio Caesar. Sadly there was no time left for a shock equaliser.

North Korea were brilliant. They worked hard and star striker Tae-Se Jong, who cried at the national anthem, was particularly impressive. It's just a shame they didn't get a point out of it. Everyone expected the North Koreans to be brushed aside with ease in what is arguably the group of death, but after tonight's performance and today's lacklustre performance, Portugal and Ivory Coast should think twice.

So kudos to North Korea. Apparently the game would only be broadcast back home if they won this evening which is a shame. If there were ever a game in which one could take pride in losing, this would be it. I guess the Chinese actors Dear Leader paid to support North Korea inside the stadium at least got to witness it. I hope Kim doesn't line them up against a firing squad. Oh, and now we know who gets all the food in North Korea. Omnomnom.