"If we remain in, it will be a great miracle," said defender Arthur Boka. "Only God knows (if we can do it)."

However, Boka was optimistic they can replicate Portugal’s whitewashing of Korea. "If Portugal can beat them 7-0 why can't we do the same?"

"For us what is more important is to exit this tournament with our heads held high," he repeated at least three times at a news conference, according to Reuters.

It is not going to be an easy ride for the west Africans, the Koreans have warned. Coach Kim Jong-hun has said he will adopt different tactics -- probably strengthening his defence -- for the game against African Footballer of the Year Didier Drogba's team.

Already eliminated, North Korea are under no competitive pressure to win but, with their rivals South Korea reaching the second round, they will be keen to at least earn a point and salvage some pride after the tournament's worst defeat.

"The only problem with the (North Korea) team is they have difficulty finishing," said Ivory Coast's Boka, a problem he hopes will continue in Nelspruit on Friday.