Saudi Arabia crashed to a 5-0 defeat in their opening match against Russia, and Uruguay’s esteemed strike partnership of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suárez threatens to further damage their goal difference on Wednesday. Can they avoid being added to the nominations for the worst World Cup teams?
North Korea Points 0, goal difference -11
France memorably imploded in South Africa eight years ago but only North Korea, ranked 105th at the time, were subjected to a six-hour dressing down and accused of “betraying” the nation, as well as their leader Kim Jong-il and his son and heir, prompting fears over the safety of the manager, Kim Jong-hun. Jong Tae-se and An Yong-hak got off lightly though, heading straight back to Japan where they played their club football. Fifa launched an investigation into Pyongyang’s alleged punishment. Things had looked reasonably promising after a 2-1 defeat by Brazil in their opening match – arguably the biggest mismatch in World Cup history. Maicon smashed home from an improbable angle and Elano doubled their lead before Ji Yun-nam cut the margin of defeat in the 89th minute, sparking wild celebrations. But, after that came a 7-0 humbling by Portugal, capped by Cristiano Ronaldo, before a 3-0 defeat by Ivory Coast.