World Cup Team Profiles: Group G: North Korea

Teams / Ari Last / 09 March 2010 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

They shocked the world in 1966 yet the chances of North Korea doing the same again in 2010 seem like zero-to-none...

Due to the nature of their politics, there have been many wondering why FIFA haven't banned North Korea from the World Cup, though judging by the draw they've been given, the conspiracy theorists out there would suggest that Blatter and co have done the next best thing.

And while there aren't many outcomes that are certain in football, one that appears nailed-on is that North Korea will play no more than three tournament games in South Africa, hence the fact that they're currently available at the maximum Betfair price of [1000] to win it.

Nation: North Korea

Also known as...
'Chollima'

Route to South Africa...
It took them 20 months and 16 games to reach South Africa, with a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia eventually sealing their World Cup place. After beating Mongolia in a two-legged first round tie, the North Koreans were given a bye to the third round, where they had to overcome Jordan and Turkmenistan in order to progress to the final qualification phase alongside neighbours South Korea.
Results in the final phase didn't go all their own way, although they did enough to finish in second place ahead of Iran, UAE and Saudi Arabia to seal their spot at this summer's festivities.

World Cup Pedigree...
If this North Korean team emulate their only previous showing in a World Cup, it will be some feat. As debutants in 1966, they reached the quarter finals and were 3-0 up against Portugal and heading for the final four, before the genius that was the "Black Panther" decided to rain on their parade.

They'll be relying on...
Sturdy shape and discipline in the face of what will surely be an onslaught. The North Koreans have no stars, in fact, only two of their squad play outside of Asia. If they are to leave South Africa with any credibility, it will be due to a team spirit and togetherness which when harnessed correctly can overcome the superior talents of more established opponents.

Something you may not have known is...
North Korea's home match against South Korea in qualifying had to be played in China, after they refused to play their neighbour's national anthem or raise their national flag before kick-off. This led to South Korea complaining to FIFA, who in turn ruled that as a result, the match would have to take place in Shanghai.

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