North Korea boss Kim Jong-hun has reported no injury worries ahead of the much anticipated World Cup Group G clash with Portugal, who will be without Deco
The playmaker has been ruled out of the game in Cape Town with a left hip problem which should be cured by the time Carlos Queiroz's side face Brazil.
"Our medical team assessed Deco's situation on Sunday morning, he didn't train with us and he will not be able to play for us against North Korea, but we want to prepare him to play against Brazil," said Queiroz.
The former Manchester United coach has no other injury concerns and is likely to call upon Tiago or Simao Sabrosa to take Deco's place.
Kim Jong-hun is hoping his side can exorcise the ghosts of North Korea's 1966 World Cup quarter final defeat.
In England 44 years ago, the Koreans were the surprise package of the tournament before their eventual 5-3 elimination at the hands of a Eusebio-inspired Portugal.
"Our players have seen the video footage of the 1966 game and heard about the game," he said
"We could have gone further but were stopped in the quarter-finals, so we were very disappointed at that time. A lot of people remember that disappointment, I remember it very well myself.
"So for me and my players, we'll try our best to try to make up for that disappointment."
Source: PA
