The Globe item has it pretty much right. They didn't change up tactically, but they didn't have to against Nigeria on Saturday. Also, the North Koreans are extremely fit. At least three Nigerian players went down with cramps. No Korean did. And they dominated this match more thoroughly than the scoreline indicated. Check out the 10-3 shots on goal advantage or 11-2 in corner kicks. Their passing is very precise and they repeatedly frustrated the Nigerian defense. They also contained Mercy Akide while committing a minimum of fouls. A really solid performance, as I expected. I am really looking forward to the Sweden-North Korea game on Thursday. So much at stake!
Union-Tribune Article Politics, sport clash in Cup - Impassioned North Koreans look to pull off upset over U.S., by Mark Zeigler http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/sun/sports/news_1s28worcup.html
The training fields and everything. Interesting and Lincoln wasn't in the best of shape. Now this dubious penalty kick against the US.
I enjoyed watching them play and hope to see them again. They held the ball for long stretches against the US, forcing the US to chase them all over the field. I wish I could see the US do that more frequently.
North Korea were like toothless tigers. Having seen them against Sweden and the US they probably had 2-3 decent efforts on target combined over 180 minutes with all that ball possession. I would be very disappointed if I was their coach.