The "most secretive nation" at this year's Asian Cup "will remain as such for at least another three days, with North Korea refusing to speak to media upon their arrival in Sydney and ruling out any interaction outside of official and mandated media conferences," according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. There "was little more than a polite wave and the odd smile from the players as they arrived at their hotel near Circular Quay to a reception of indigenous dancers and musicians." Officials wearing suits decorated with badges of their flag, workers' party and, of course, "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-un, "tightly guarded the players for their brief public appearance upon arrival." All players "wore team uniforms without names, squad numbers, sponsors or logos." Every player "wore the same model of green and black sport shoes and all had matching haircuts with no quirks of modern fashion." A team minder "refused to allow any players or coach to speak to the media and ruled out any public interaction outside of what is required by the Asian Football Confederation" (SMH, 1/6).
