In one of the lamest excuses you've ever heard, North Korean women soccer coach came up with an electrifying explanation for his side's 2-0 loss to the USA in their opening World Cup game.
Kim Kwang-Min told bemused reporters in the German city of Dresden that several players, including the goalkeeper, were still suffering the ill-effects of being struck by lightning.
"When we stayed in Pyongyang during training there was an unexpected accident so our team was not capable of playing," Kim said.
"Our players were hit by lightning during a training match. More than five were hospitalised. The match was on 8 June."
There remains some confusion as to who exactly was affected.
FIFA's official translation of Kim's words stated: "The goalkeeper and the four strikers were most affected and some midfielders as well," while the Korean press officer stated that four defenders rather than forwards were injured.
The news hit the US women's team like a lightning bolt as well.
"It's the first we have heard about it," said the striker Abby Wambach.
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| North Korean players leave the pitch after being defeated by the USA in the Women's World Cup Photo: Reuters |
Kim Kwang-Min told bemused reporters in the German city of Dresden that several players, including the goalkeeper, were still suffering the ill-effects of being struck by lightning.
The incident apparently happened during a practice session in almost a month ago in Pyongyang.
"When we stayed in Pyongyang during training there was an unexpected accident so our team was not capable of playing," Kim said.
"Our players were hit by lightning during a training match. More than five were hospitalised. The match was on 8 June."
There remains some confusion as to who exactly was affected.
FIFA's official translation of Kim's words stated: "The goalkeeper and the four strikers were most affected and some midfielders as well," while the Korean press officer stated that four defenders rather than forwards were injured.
The news hit the US women's team like a lightning bolt as well.
"It's the first we have heard about it," said the striker Abby Wambach.
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