[QODLink]
WORLD CUP 2010
North Korea
Three Japanese-born ethnic Koreans qualify to play for North Korea at World Cup.
Last Modified: 08 Jun 2010 07:57 GMT
Three Japanese-born players qualified to play for North Korea at the World Cup [EPA]

Absent from the World Cup since 1966, when they reached the last eight, North Korea's footballers have only just begun to receive international exposure.

Ranked 105th after their long absence from the top, they should be a surprise package in South Africa.

Striker Jong Tae-Se admitted in March that the players were weak technically and tactically – but that their mental strength was unrivalled.

Led by coach Kim Jong-Hun, they demonstrated that strength in holding out for the point they needed to qualify automatically against World Cup regulars Saudi Arabia last year.

Goalkeepers:

Ri Myong-Guk (Pyongyang City), Kim Myong-Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myon-Won (Amrokgang).

Group G fixtures

Tuesday June 15

 Cote d'Ivoire v Portugal 
 Brazil v North Korea 

Sunday June 20

 Brazil v Cote d'Ivoire 

Monday June 21

 Portugal v North Korea 

Friday June 25

 Portugal v Brazil 
 North Korea v Cote d'Ivoire

Defenders:

Cha Jong-Hyok (Amrokgang), Nam Song-Chol (April 25), Pak Chol-Jin (Amrokgang), Pak Nam-Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Jun-Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang-Chon (April 25), Ri Kwang-Hyok (Kyonggongop).

Midfielders:

Ahn Young-Hak (Omiya Ardija), Ji Yun-Nam (April 25), Kim Kyong-Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong-Jun (Chengdu), Mun In-Guk (April 25), Pak Nam-Chol (April 25), Pak Sung-Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol-Myong (Pyongyang City).

Forwards:

 An Chol-Hyok (Rimyongsu), Choe Kum-Chol (Rimyongsu), Hong Yong-Jo (RUS), Jong Tae-Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Kim Kum-Il (April 25).
Source:
Al Jazeera and agencies
Topics in this article
People
Country
City
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
Murder of Somali draws ire of foreign African nationals over rising xenophobic violence.
We look at the impact of increased sanctions against the Islamic Republic and ask who it really affects.
Tupamaros enforce rough justice in Venezuela's slums to support socialism, but critics say the group are violent thugs.
More than a decade ago the US launched a war against Afghanistan, but was it a justified battle?
Featured
Syria's War
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Turkey Protests
Extensive coverage of political unrest that spread from Istanbul to other areas.
Obama's scandal
Revelations over NSA spying are threatening president's European trip.
Farming in Greece
Some urbanites are returning to their rural roots to farm the land.
People 'without'
Kuwait's 'Bidoon' have been stripped of rights and treated as second-class citizens.
join our mailing list