Brazil- North Korea: The Magic Of the World Cup

You know the moment is significant when you see tears flow from a grown man's eyes.

One can only imagine the joy striker Jong Tae-Se felt when he heard his country's anthem, North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea), being heard by hundreds of millions of people across the world, as his team prepared to take on the mighty Brazil.

Though they lost the match 2-1, they did not show any fear while taking on the world's number one ranked team.

North Korea are ranked 105. But for the better part of the game, that 104 rank difference was insignificant. Ghey played a disciplined game and made the Confederation's Cup champions work hard for a victory. 

At one point, it appeared the underdogs might snatch a famous draw—it was not meant to be.

But the Koreans walked back to the dressing room with their heads in the air after showing the world that sometimes, rankings just don't convey the whole picture.

Though it might seem like the classic underdog story, truth be told, Brazil put in a very labored performance. The combination of Kaka and Robinho needs a bit of work.

Kaka must get into the game more often and needs to take some shots at goal. And Robinho should stop taking so many.

The team seems to lack the attacking flair it is renowned for, although the back four, shepherded by Lucio and guarded by the magnificent Gilberto Silva, look very solid. In Julio Cesar, they have one of the best goalkeepers in the world and can surely count on him.

But back to North Korea.

The squad has shown they will not be pushed around by either Portugal or Cote d'Ivoire in their remaining games. So this group truly merits the "Group of Death" title.

Though on paper it looks very unlikely that they will progress through to the next round, North Korea have pulled off bigger upsets.

In 1966, they made it to the quarter finals, beating Italy on the way, and were three goals up against Portugal, but were sent packing when the Portuguese rallied behind the great Eusebio.

Come June 21, all eyes will be on this second World Cup match between these two teams.

It remains to be seen if Ronaldo can guide Portugal to victory in this match. But whatever happens, you can be sure the Koreans will leave no stone unturned in their attempt to avenge that 1966 defeat.

Every World Cup brings a team that every neutral fan loves.

And this time around, North Korea may just be that team.