Ronaldo not a focus for North Koreans
CAPE TOWN - The world's most recognised player Cristiano Ronaldo takes to the field against some of the most secretive at the World Cup on Monday although North Korea's manager says the Portugal winger will not be a focus.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tusTh6RbXrrZuEcBx8uc7P.jpg)
"Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is a world renowned player who receives a lot of attention but in our case, in our game, we're not going to focus especially on one person," North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun told reporters ahead of the game in Cape Town.
North Korea lost their Group G opener 2-1 to Brazil but won respect for the way they held the five-times world champions until the 55th minute, and scored a stunning consolation goal.
"I'm not going to talk about overall strategy or tactics and I'm not going to say I will have man-to-man defence. It might be needed... it will depend on how the game flows," he said.
But Portugal, who drew their opener 0-0 with Ivory Coast, seemed sceptical of claims Ronaldo would not be singled out for special attention.
"It is normal. It happens at club and national level that the most creative players are sometimes fouled more frequently," said Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz.
DANGEROUS TEAM
Ronaldo himself said he was familiar with his North Korea opponents and praised their speed but warned they would suffer if they did play man-to-man.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"Obviously, I know the players. We have seen two videos yesterday and the game versus Brazil. They are a dangerous team with fast players and I know it will be difficult."
"The counter attack is their strongest weapon. If they play man-to-man against us they will suffer. That is their most likely tactic in my opinion," Ronaldo added.
The North Korea coach said reports that four of his players had gone missing were totally unfounded and added that all were fit to play. The squad trained at Green Point stadium on Sunday.
"Management of the team and players is my responsibility and there were never any team members missing," said coach Kim. "We have been together every day, we have eaten and slept and trained together. That report was totally unfounded."
The team had watched footage of North Korea's remarkable match against Portugal at the 1966 World Cup in England when the Koreans took a 3-0 lead but Portugal staged an astonishing comeback to win the quarter-final 5-3, he added.
"The players have seen the video footage and they have heard a lot about that game..." added Kim who was nine years old at the time. "I remember the game very well. The players will try to make up for the disappointment this time."
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack