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Goal.com Column: North Korea's An Yong Hak - We Are A Family
The DPR Korea star talks to Goal.com...
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Dec 16, 2009 1:49:11 AM
Goal.com columnist and North
Korea international An
Yong Hak has penned his second column for our readers.
During qualification, An was an ever-present for North Korea, who reached the 1966 World Cup quarter-finalists, and was on the pitch in June as the Chollima clinched their spot in South Africa.
He is excited to share his thoughts on the upcoming World Cup with the world...
I was shocked at the results of the World Cup draw when I saw them on the morning of December 5. Though I had hoped to play against strong teams at the World Cup - otherwise we won't have a chance to meet - however, the fact that Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast are in the same group with us was way beyond my expectation!
Our first opponent is Brazil. The five times World Cup winner is definitely one of the world's best football teams. Also, they have so many star players. Players such as Kaka, Robinho and Maicon are the best in their position.
Then comes Portugal. This team is also full of famous footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco. Especially, Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world at the moment. I know that Portugal play quick football which takes advantage of Ronaldo's amazing pace.
Of course, there is World Cup history between us. Several times, I have watched the documentary film of the 1966 World Cup game, when North Korea reached the quarter finals.
At that time, North Korea, led by Pak Doo-Ik, was defeated 5-3 by Portugal and failed to protect a 3-0 lead from the first half. I hope we can exact vengeance on Portugal on behalf of our predeccessors.
Our final opponent is Ivory Coast. This team has many powerful and physically fine players such as Didier Drogba. It also looks difficult for us because our players are smaller physically.
But we have our own strength. First of all, we are the hardest-working team in the group. Moreover, our players are bonded to each other like a family because we have played together for such a long time.
Therefore I believe we can show our finest team work in the group stage.
Even though our individual players may seem inferior to other opponents, I think we have a chance to progress as long as we try our best and make the most advantage of our strength - teamwork.
An Yong Hak
During qualification, An was an ever-present for North Korea, who reached the 1966 World Cup quarter-finalists, and was on the pitch in June as the Chollima clinched their spot in South Africa.
He is excited to share his thoughts on the upcoming World Cup with the world...
I was shocked at the results of the World Cup draw when I saw them on the morning of December 5. Though I had hoped to play against strong teams at the World Cup - otherwise we won't have a chance to meet - however, the fact that Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast are in the same group with us was way beyond my expectation!
Our first opponent is Brazil. The five times World Cup winner is definitely one of the world's best football teams. Also, they have so many star players. Players such as Kaka, Robinho and Maicon are the best in their position.
Then comes Portugal. This team is also full of famous footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco. Especially, Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world at the moment. I know that Portugal play quick football which takes advantage of Ronaldo's amazing pace.
Of course, there is World Cup history between us. Several times, I have watched the documentary film of the 1966 World Cup game, when North Korea reached the quarter finals.
At that time, North Korea, led by Pak Doo-Ik, was defeated 5-3 by Portugal and failed to protect a 3-0 lead from the first half. I hope we can exact vengeance on Portugal on behalf of our predeccessors.
Our final opponent is Ivory Coast. This team has many powerful and physically fine players such as Didier Drogba. It also looks difficult for us because our players are smaller physically.
But we have our own strength. First of all, we are the hardest-working team in the group. Moreover, our players are bonded to each other like a family because we have played together for such a long time.
Therefore I believe we can show our finest team work in the group stage.
Even though our individual players may seem inferior to other opponents, I think we have a chance to progress as long as we try our best and make the most advantage of our strength - teamwork.
An Yong Hak
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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