North Korea Will Frustrate Opponents in South Africa

by Al Dannity on May 27, 2010

in Soccer, Sports, World Cup

No team in the 2010 World Cup is surrounded by more mystery than North Korea. Making their first appearance since 1966, Al feels the team will enjoy a short but eventful trip to South Africa.

How they got here

North Korea, or Korea DPR as it is recognized by FIFA, had one of the longest qualifying campaigns of any team in the 2010 World Cup. The journey began in the first round of the Asian qualifiers where North Korea stomped Mongolia 9-2 over two games to progress to the first group stage.

Two wins of Turkmenistan, a road win over Jordan, and two draws with rivals Korea Republic sent North Korea through to the final group phase where they were heavy underdogs. A road win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a draw with Korea Republic got North Korea off to a steady start but defeat in Iran dragged them back to the pack. Back to back home wins over Saudi Arabia and the UAE put Korea Republic back on track but defeat on the road to Korea Republic and a home draw with Iran meant North Korea was level with Saudi Arabia going into its final game with Iran just a point behind.

While North Korea earned a draw on the road in Saudi Arabia, qualification looked in doubt as Iran held a 1-0 lead at Korea Republic. A Park Ji-Sung goal on 82 minutes for Korea Republic cost Iran the win and sent North Korea through to South Africa.

Who to watch

Given how culturally isolated North Korea is from the rest of the world, it comes as no surprise that their roster has no recognizable names but there are a few players worth keeping an eye on. Team captain Hong-Yong Jo is the best chance North Korea has of creating scoring chances so keep an eye on him for World Cup betting purposes. The supporting striker is the only North Korean squad member currently playing in Europe, lining out with FC Rostov in the Russian Superleague.

Joining him up front is Jong Tae-Se. The striker received substantial media attention when opted to play for North Korea instead of South Korea or Japan, for whom he was also eligible. Jong Tae-Se is the best goal scoring threat on the North Korea roster and has been dubbed the Asian Wayne Rooney and he’ll need to live up to the billing if North Korea are to be competitive in South Africa.

How they will perform

Coach Kim Jong Hun has set his sights on a place in the quarter finals, matching North Korea’s remarkable run in 1966, which is big talk for the lowest ranked team in the tournament. While I don’t like North Korea to make the knockout rounds, or even to pick up a point, there’s a strong case that this team will be competitive in its three games. The defense-heavy formation used by North Korea should keep their more illustrious opponents from going on a goal-rush. The clash of this neat if unexciting style with Brazil’s counter-attacking play should make for an interesting encounter. Set pieces will be this team’s undoing however so bet against North Korea in the 2010 World Cup.

how many will desert their team and ask for asylum?