World Cup Team Profile: North Korea

Tom Oldfield

For the last 44 years, the only football claim to fame for North Korea has been their stunning World Cup debut back in 1966 when they humbled Italy in one of the biggest shocks in tournament history. The North Koreans reached the quarter-finals back then before elimination against Portugal. Since however, there has been little to shout about.

And so a return to the big stage is long overdue, particularly with neighbours South Korea emerging as a dangerous outfit and enjoying World Cup success of their own in 2002 on home soil. The North Koreans outlasted Iran and Saudi Arabia to snatch the second qualifying spot – behind South Korea – in a campaign built around a gritty, defensive approach.

Yet the joy of qualifying was somewhat short lived as the draw dealt North Korea a cruel hand. They will line up in Group G alongside Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast – this summer’s Group of Death.

The Coach

Kim Jong-Hun (PRK)
54 years old

In many ways, Kim Jong-Hun’s job is done even before the World Cup begins. He earned himself hero status by guiding the North Koreans into their first World Cup since 1966 and just taking part in South Africa was beyond expectations. His favoured 3-5-2 formation places a great emphasis on defence and it was these cautious tactics that helped North Korea squeeze through in qualifying.

But Jong-Hun has promised that his team will not simply make up the numbers in Group G, making bold predictions about North Korea’s chances that will leave some scratching their heads. He told the press: ‘I believe we will at least pass the first round. We have the strong spirit to upset expectations.’

Players to watch

Hong Yong-Jo
28 years old
Attacking midfielder / Striker
FC Rostov (RUS)

The North Korea captain has a huge role to play this summer. As the only team member plying his trade in Europe – he plays in Russia – his experience will be crucial for the daunting group stage fixtures. He is a crafty attacker who will be expected to pull the strings and give an overworked defence a rest. He is the likeliest North Korean to catch the eye.

Jong Tae-Se
26 years old
Striker
Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Playing as a lone striker will be a thankless task for Tae-Se considering the quality of North Korea’s group stage opponents, but he has the strength and aerial prowess to hold the ball up and bring others into the game. And he is not short of confidence – he has promised that the North Koreans will be second in Group G behind Brazil.

Ahn Young-Hak
31 years old
Midfielder
Omiya Ardija (JPN)

Likely to play as the most central of North Korea’s midfielders, Young-Hak is another experienced head who will have to lead by example. He is sure to be stretched by the passing and movement of superior opponents but his understanding of the game will help him break up play and launch counter-attacks. Look for him to spend plenty of time shadowing Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ri Myong-Guk
23 years old
Goalkeeper
Pyongyang City (PRK)

It is hard to pick anyone here given the inexperience of the North Koreans on the big stage. After all, the team as a whole is not expected to make an impact in South Africa. But, as the last line of defence for the North Koreans, young goalkeeper Myong-Guk will have a chance to shine. It is no secret that North Korea will pack the midfield and defend in numbers but, against Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast, Myong-Guk is sure to be called upon on countless occasions to bail his team-mates out. He was an ever-present in qualifying.

The view from North Korea:

The team’s belief is clearly high based on their optimistic comments in the media. The squad seems to feel a spot in the knockout rounds is there for the taking. However, in contrast, pundits agree that taking a total of one point from their three group games would be an outstanding achievement – and most realistic North Koreans supporters would surely concur.

Prediction

The harsh draw was hardly a warm welcome for North Korea as they return to the World Cup after such a lengthy absence. Their defensive mindset should prevent the scorelines being too lopsided but three losses out of three seems the likeliest outcome for Jong-Hun’s men. Earning a point would be cause for celebration but there is little chance of that.

The North Koreans’ fairytale run in 1966 almost had an even more thrilling ending. They were 3-0 ahead against Portugal in the quarter-final and on course for a spot in the last four before the Portuguese hit back to win 5-3.

15/06/10: North Korea  1 – 2  Brazil     –   Ellis Park, Johannesburg
21/06/10: North Korea  0 – 7  Portugal     –   Cape Town
25/06/10: North Korea  0 – 3  Ivory Coast     –   Nelspruit