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A to Z of WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 2010 - North Korea
NORTH KOREA:
2010 will be North Korea’s second appearance in the World Cup Finals. Their previous venture was in England 1966 when they became the first Asian side to reach the quarter –finals after a 1-0 victory over Italy at Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough.
Their quarter-final tie was played at Goodison Park, Liverpool, against Eusebio and his mighty Portuguese team. Korea DPR (Democratic Peoples’ Republic) amazed everyone by taking a
3-0 lead in the first 25 minutes, only to go out 5-3 thanks to 4 goals from Eusebio. It is still reckoned to be one of the most memorable matches in World Cup history.
In qualifying for South Africa 2010, Korea DPR had to go through one of the most gruelling campaigns faced by any of the qualifiers. It took 20 months and 16 matches to complete. In the end a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia saw the Koreans finish level on points with the Saudis but a slightly better goal difference saw them secure the 4th qualification spot in the Asian Football Confederation.
The Head Coach of the side is Kim Jong-Hun who was only 10 years old when Korea DPR last qualified for the World Cup Finals. As two-thirds of his squad are from domestic clubs and have limited international experience, Kim has made a virtue out of necessity. Under his guidance discipline and teamwork have become the defining qualities of the side.
The small overseas-based contingent in the team are a vital cog in the North Korean machine. Russian-based Hong Jong-Yo has been in lethal striking form of late. Alongside him is Kawasaki Frontale’s Jong Tae-So, a star attraction in the Japanese J-League. He has the power and pace to break past most defences. Mun In-Gok, a home-based midfielder, is the one everyone looks to for inspiration, whilst the very agile Ri Myong-Gouk can be relied upon to stop the ball crossing the goal-line.
Nicknamed the Chollima, Korea DPR have had the misfortune to be drawn in Group G alongside Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast (Sven Goran Eriksson’s latest protégés) – hence the ‘Group of Death’ title! bwin are offering odds of 200/1 on Korea winning Group G, whilst Bluesquare anticipate their making the last 16 at 14/1.
North Korea, the lowest ranked (105th) team in the competition, is likely to have the smallest following of supporters in South Africa. Kim Jong-il, the country’s Dear Leader, is expected to allow about 200 fans to travel. However his decision to devalue the currency makes it extremely unlikely that even such a small number will be able to afford the trip. It’s almost as unlikely as the team winning the World Cup, which event can be had at 2000/1 from Totesport.
Posted: Monday, April 12th, 2010 @ 03:04 pm by Mark
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