Preview: North Korea vs. Ivory Coast

June 24th, 2010 | by: admin |

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THE BIG PICTURE
North Korea were widely expected to be the whipping boys of Group G, the footballing Davids surrounded by not one or two but three Goliaths. But they showed in the first match with Brazil that they could be just a little trickier to break down than we all thought. Then there was the second half against Portugal, when the Korean side completely fell apart and allowed in six goals in rapid succession. That huge loss to Portugal had a side effect of all but eliminating Ivory Coast from qualification. Unless Drogba and the Elephants (best band name ever) can do the same sort of damage that the Portuguese did, it will all be over for them.

WHAT’S AT STAKE
North Korea is already out of contention for the Round of 16, and Ivory Coast needs to win and win huge to have a chance. With their 1 point and -2 goal difference, even equaling Portugal’s 7-0 result wouldn’t get them through unless Brazil beat Portugal by 2. It’s a long road, but it’s still possible, technically.

Bet on North Korea vs. Ivory Coast

OUR PREDICTION
I’m fairly confident that Ivory Coast will win this match. I can see a big win for Ivory Coast, unfortunately for the Elephants, though, not nearly enough to get them through. But predicting North Korea has not been a paying business lately. Who would have guessed their strong performance against Brazil, and after that their collapse against Team Ronaldo? I’m going for 3-0 to Ivory Coast.

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