North Korea Almost Pulls Off the Upset

North Korea almost pulled off a stunning upset of Japan in World Cup Qualifying action last night in Japan.

SAITAMA — Japan managed to avoid a major disaster with an injury-time winner from Masashi Oguro securing the points in a thrilling 2-1 win in a World Cup Group B Asian qualifier against North Korea at Saitama Stadium on Wednesday night.

Japan made heavy weather of what should have been a routine three points and can consider itself fortunate to come out of this media-hyped fixture unscathed.

North Korea came very close to winning this contest before Japan scored the winning goal near the end of the game during injury time.

Japan began to panic as time ticked away, leaving gaping holes for North Korea to exploit at the back and it was only centimeters that saved Japan from certain defeat when, in the dying minutes, Kim Yong Jo struck a free-kick that shaved Japan’s right post.

Takahara glanced a late header wide and Ogasawara had a low shot well-saved by Chol with the writing appearing to be on the wall for Japan.

I like this cynical comment from the Japan Times article expressing their anger at the Japanese coach:

Deep into injury time with Zico frantically scribbling down excuses to present to the Japanese media, Chol, who had shown an unwillingness to catch crosses, opted to punch a soft one straight to Oguro who accepted the gift, slotting home the winner and taking home the glory.

Coach Zico from Japan has been drawing the anger of the media in Japan recently for benching some of his best players who play in the European leagues for players that play in the Japanese J-League.

Kim Jong Il must of been really pissed off after the game to come out today and announce to everyone he has nukes. Sore Loser!