Why I Cheered For 'Korea Democratic Peoples' Republic'

It was the greatest mismatch possible: Brazil vs the Korea Democratic Peoples' Republic, better known as North Korea. A team ranked 1st in the world, almost as well known for their teamwork as their individual flair, versus a team ranked 102nd, about whom very little is known. I truly despise North Korea and its consistent war-mongering, and I've had a good  few laughs at the Korean's bizarre set-up. They train in a public gym, they hired Chinese actors to pretend to be North Korean supporters, their television networks have been told to edit the match so it casts them in a favourable light and their coach snapped at a journalist that dared refer to his team as 'North Korea'. I was hoping for a spanking, partly because it would be amusing trying to work out how the television networks would make their zero good moments into a highlights reel, and partly because I'm thirsty for goals after a worrying goal drought, as mentioned in the previous post.

However, my mind was changed even before a ball was kicked. Tae-Se Jong, the captain and only player to own a mobile phone, was seen in tears during the KDPR national anthem. Perhaps his belief in his Great Leader is woefully misguided, but there's no doubting the commitment. If English players could show half that passion we would be in a far stronger position than we are now.

As expected, the Brazilians dominated possession, but were face with a defence that was not just committed, but also surprisingly adept. Brazil simply could not find a way through, and resorted to long shots, relinquising possession and allowing the Koreans to counter-attack, spearheaded by the aforementioned Jong. He really was excellent, a constant thorn, and eventually provided the assist an astonishing goal. It was too little too late, with Brazil already ahead 2-0 by this point, but it was some reward for a disciplined yet often technically astute performance. Faced with a more impotent opposition (see Portugal and Ivory Coasts 0-0), they might just have a chance, and I would welcome it.

I will mock no longer.