Portugal v North Korea Preview, Prediction, and TV Listings
Portugal has a must win match as they face North Korea in their second group stage match. The match will take place at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa on Monday, June 21, 2010. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 BST, 13:30 local time in South Africa, and 07:30 EST.
It will be televised on ESPN in the United States, BBC One in the United Kingdom, TF 1 in France, ZDF in Germany, CBC in Canada, SBS in Australia, SuperSport in Africa, and on Al Jazeera Sport in the Middle East.
Portugal v North Korea Preview
The Portuguese know that this is must win match as they will face Brazil in their final group stage match. They played to a draw in their opening match against Ivory Coast and will likely need a better goal difference to advance. Brazil has already secured one of the spots to the knockout stage.
North Korea surprised many with their match against Brazil. They were organized, compact, and even able to score a goal late to make it 2-1. While they are not expected to win any of their group stage matches or even get a result, a draw is not unrealistic in this match or their next against the Ivory Coast.
For Portugal, this is their match to win and they need three points. A draw or loss will probably mean a must win match against Brazil. Cristiano Ronaldo will need to lead the way and show the form that he’s shown for his clubs in the last few seasons. He has some talent around so it’s necessary for him to score but to create space for his teammates.
This World Cup has shown that there’s no easy matches and Portugal will need to improve to get the win. In the end, they are the better side and Ronaldo should get a goal and/or assist to lead the way.
Betting Odds
Portugal win – 4/11
Draw – 7/2
North Korea win – 8/1
Portugal v North Korea Prediction
Portugal will win the match 2-0.
