Portugal make four changes for N.Korea clash

Portugal made four changes for their clash against North Korea on Monday with Carlos Queiroz's team needing a win to stay on course to join Brazil in the next round.

Chelsea midfielder Deco has a left hip injury and is a non-starter, as expected, with Atletico Madrid's Tiago his replacement.

But Queiroz also dropped strikers Danny and Liedson and defender Paulo Ferreira, who are replaced by Simao and Hugo Almeida and right-back Miguel.

North Korea proved their defensive mettle in their opening game against Brazil and they are again expected to get men behind the ball and launch counter-attacks.

Coach Kim Jong Hun announced an unchanged team to the one that lost 2-1 to the Brazilians, with danger man Jong Tae-Se up front along with Hong Jong Jo.

Brazil's victory over Ivory Coast on Sunday means they are safely through to the round of 16 from Group G with six points after two games to the African team's one.

A Portugal victory on Monday would give them four points. The Koreans have yet to get off the mark and will be eliminated if they fail to get at least a draw here.

Teams

Portugal

Eduardo, Ricardo Carvalho, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Pedro Mendes, Raul Meireles, Simao, Miguel, Tiago, Cristiano Ronaldo (capt), Hugo Almeida

Manager: Carlos Queiroz (POR)

North Korea

Ri Myong Guk, Cha Jong Hyok, Ri Jun II, Ri Kwang Chon, Ji Yun Nam, Pak Choi Jin, Pak Nam Chol, Mun In Guk, An Yong Hak, Jong Tae Se, Hong Yong Jo (capt)

Coach: Kim Jong Hun (PRK)

Referee: Pablo Pozo (CHI)