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North Korea will face Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal during Monday's first World Cup game. Though losing to Brazil, North Korea gained respect for the way they stood up to the world's great soccer team. That game finished Brazil 2-1.
Portugal is a -333 favorite over North Korea (or just better than 1/3). North Korea would pay out US$92.50 for every US$10 bet with a win and nearly US$40 for the draw.
The focus for North Korea won't be just one man, their coach said in regard to Ronaldo.
"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.
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.
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.
"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.
Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
