Sport | Football
On the ball: North Korea and the group of death
Team's most memorable match was against Portugal in 1966 when they led 3-0 after 25 minutes before going down 5-3
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:00 June 10, 2010
Winning promotion to the finals of the World Cup was in itself a big achievement for North Korea after they beat better equipped and more experienced teams like Saudi Arabia and Iran.
And despite the fact that this is not their first in the finals, it came as a big surprise for North Koreans, who are regarded as outsiders in all continental competitions.
The North Koreans will feature in the finals for the second time after competing in England in 1966 when they surprised the world by beating powerhouse Italy and making the second round.
The North Koreans' most memorable match was against Portugal in 1966 when they led 3-0 after 25 minutes before going down 5-3.
Their game has improved greatly in the last decade, and they have shown their true worth in the qualifiers for the World Cup.
However, they face a tough proposition at this World Cup after being drawn in the Group of Death with Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire and Portugal.
The North Koreans will play their matches under no pressure, realising that just being there is a big achievement for a team that is not exposed to stronger teams from Europe and South America and lack international experience.
The team features only three professional players who perform in Russia and Japan.
Surprises
Hong Yong-Jo, their captain and striker, plays for Rostov in Russia, his partner up front Jong Tae-Se plays for Kawasaki Frontale in Japan and their colleague Ahn Young-Hak plays for Omiya Ardija, also in Japan, while all the other 20 players eligible to play in the finals are playing for domestic clubs including their inspirational midfielder Mun In-Guk and custodian Ri Myong-Guk.
Kim Jong-Hun, the head coach, is known for his discipline and planning, and his success in overcoming better teams is proof that North Korea are capable of springing some surprises.
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