North Korea tried to manipulate the 2010 World Cup draw

Sven-Goran Eriksson, who at the time was a member of the FIFA Committee, revealed in an interview about the request of the Asians. Photo: (Pierre-Philippe Marco/AFP via Getty Images)

Interview by Sven-Goran Eriksson, an experienced Swedish coach who has worked with Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio, England national team, Manchester City and other teams in Europe and Asia, BBCThe UK portal revealed that North Korea tried to push for the World Cup draw in South Africa, which was held in 2010, to be “lighter” for the Asian country.

In the report, Ericsson said that on a visit to the country: “North Korea representatives knew I was a member of the FIFA committee and asked me for help. I thought they wanted some balls or cleats or something, but that’s when they asked me for an easy pull. I had to To tell them I can’t guarantee it and that nobody can do it. Besides being impossible, it’s illegal. The most exciting thing is that they didn’t believe me and I just thought I didn’t accept the proposal.”

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At the World Cup in South Africa, North Korea ended up in Group G, along with Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. The Asians took fourth place at the top of the group, after losing the three matches they played and a resounding defeat for the Portuguese national team with a score of 7-0. Ledson and Cristiano Ronaldo scored goals, in addition to his other colleagues.

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In the confrontation against the Brazilian national team, Canariño won 2-1. Maicon and Elano scored Brazil’s goals, while North Korea’s left-back Ji Yun Nam scored in the 44th minute of the second half of the match.