Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea DPR Korea Football Association
1945
Coach: Kim Jong-hun.
Confederation: AFC
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09): 91
Previous Appearances: 1 (1966)
North Korea v Brazil 15 June; Johannesburg
North Korea v Portugal 21 June; Cape Town
North Korea v Ivory Coast 25 June; Nelspruit
Coach
Kim-Jong Hun
Record
1966 Quarterfinals
Background
Reach the last eight in the very first World Cup appearance, that too getting the better of mighty Italy! And then lead invincible Portugal 3-0 and then alas, lose 3-5! Such drama is fantasy stuff. May be North Koreans should have let it be their only participation in football’s top arena, so that it would remain an exclusive dream… But here they are, in South Africa, for the 2010 edition, after 44 years in the wilderness.
the road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup
First two rounds
Being ranked 9th in Asia and in Pot A, the DPR Korea was required to play only one team from Pot B to qualify for the third round. Mongolia was that unfortunate squad, which was mauled 9-2 on aggregate by the Chollima.
Round Three
In round three, they were placed in Group 3 and paired with their congenital rivals South Korea, Jordan and Turkmenistan. The campaign kicked off with a 1-0 win against Jordan. The next match was played in a neutral venue, in Shangai, China, against South Korea. The game ended goalless. The result was identical in the away game against Turkmenistan. However, the return leg produced a 1-0 verdict in favour of Korea DPR. It was Jordan next and playmaker Hong Yong-Jo scored a brace to beat them 2-0 at home. But it was a goal-less dead lock once again against the Korea Republic when they met in Seoul. Still, it was enough for the Chollima to advance to the next stage as they secured the second spot behind South Korea.
Round Four
Korea DPR, South Korea, audi Arabia, Iran and United Arab Emirates were the teams in Group B. Korea DPR faced the United Arab Emirates in the opening game and they won it 2-1.Next, North Korea played the Korea Republic at the Hongkou Stadium in China. As in their two previous encounters, this match too ended in a draw. The only difference was hat the score line was 1-1, instead of 0-0. Korea DPR then traveled to Tehran to suffer their first defeat in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
In the first qualifying match played in 2009, they defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Pyongyang and then the United Arab Emirates 2-0. Next up was the two Koreas against each other. The privet score between them was settled this time, South Korea besting their northern neighbours by a late goal.
In the last two qualifiers, North Korea drew goalless against Iran and Saudi Arabia to finish four points adrift of South Korea, along with Saudi Arabia. However, a plus two goal difference helped them to edge out Saudi Arabia and get entry into the World Cup finals along with the group leaders, South Korea.
Strengths
North Korea has an unyielding defence. That they lost only one game out of 16 qualifiers and conceded only seven goals is a testimony to the solid backline. The squad also has the ability to launch quick counter attacks that can catch the opposition unawares.
Weaknesses
Goals are the most important happenings on the football pitch. For this, shooting at the goal post with power and precision is inevitable. The Koreans are weak in this department. Lack of international exposure also is a matter of worry.
The Coach
Kim Jong-hun has taken North Korea to the World Cup after a gap of 44 years. Yet there are rumours that his position is not all that secure. He is a no-nonsense manager, who gets what he wants from the players. He may be quite and contemplative on the side lines, but it will take only a few seconds for him to blow his top. Statistics say that he has been red carded more than his players.
Star Men
Jong Tae-se (Kawasaki Frontale);
A striker who likes to compare himself to Didier Drogba, Jong Tae-se is fast and powerful and has a great urge for goals. But he was not very successful in this, in the qualifiers, though he is getting back his touch in the Japanese league.
An Yong Hak (Suwon Bluewings);
An Yong Hak is not a power broker, but subtle and quietly efficient. He holds the midfield together and makes astute passes. He is an asset to any team as the coach and teammates can count on him to keep his end up.
Hong Yong-Jo;
Hong Yong-Jo scored 9 goals in his first 11 games for Korea DPR. Four of these were in the World Cup qualifiers. As a captain, he leads from the front and opens up opportunities and also takes advantage of them.
Best Footballing Moment
1966. World cup in England. DPR Korea vs Italy. A surprise winner from Pak Do-Ik. And that goal sent the Italians back home.
World Cup Objective
Difficult to dream of emulating 1966. One victory out of the three matches in the group
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