Betting odds North Korea

 Manager: Kim Jong-Hun
Captain: Hong Yong-Jo
FIFA Ranking: 105
World Cup appearances: 1 – 1966
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals – 1966 

North Korea Team Profile

North Korea were the surprise package during qualifying as they defied the odds to snatch one of the four available automatic qualification spots to book their rightful place in South Africa where they’ll take to the field for just their second World Cup. The last time North Korea were involved in such a prestigious and global football spectacle was way back in 1966, a year when England won the World Cup on English soil and the North Koreans surpassed everyone’s expectations by finishing as a losing quarter-finalists. They surely won’t record a personal best in South Africa as times have dramatically changed since their glory days of 66, but the Koreans will nevertheless make the most of this glorious opportunity, while their reward for all their hard work during qualifying was to be dropped slap bang in the middle of South Africa’s version of the ‘Group of Death’.

North Korea, if they were truly honest with each other, won’t make any real inroads considering the standard of football around Europe and South America these days, so the dream would have been to land a group which consisted of at least one of the world’s biggest footballing forces. They got that in Brazil, but as typical as their surprise inclusion in South Africa was, North Korea were then handed their second dream game as Portugal were drawn in the same group as themselves, as well as an interesting match up with the Ivory Coast from South Africa. The Koreans will get a taster of just about everything in South Africa, making their qualification well worthwhile despite the likelihood of some big defeats in South Africa when they finally land. 

Nickname: Chollima

North Korea Key Players

The majority of the North Korea team are based in Asia, plying their trade in either the North Korean league of the Japanese J-League. With this, means the squad aren’t instantly recognisable, while none actually ring any bells if truth be told. But that will be seen as a double edged sword in that while the assumption maybe that North Korea’s players aren’t perhaps good enough to play in Europe, the fact we don’t know an awful lot about them makes them a little bit dangerous due to their unknown quantity feel about them.

Hong Yong-Jo looks to be the leading player in the North Korea camp, while he’s one of just a handful in the squad which has European experience through playing in Russia with FC Rostov. Yong-Jo is one of the more matured players in the Korea squad at 27 years-old, while his experience in Russia, aided by his 11 goals in 38 international appearances has led to Yong-Jo receiving the captains armband for his country.  

Jong Tong-Se or ‘The People’s Rooney’ as the natives like to call him, is one of the more exciting players in the North Korea team, with his ambition and forward aggression complimented by some natural pace. Jong is a player which can make things happen, he doesn’t sit around waiting for the ball to come to him, the Kawasaki Frontale forward isn’t afraid to come deep and collect the ball from the half-way line, while at the same time he has this fearless attitude when it comes to charging into the heart of the opponents defence. The same can be said about some of his ‘audacious’ attempts from distance, willing to have a pop at goal.

We’ve seen Jong Tong-Se in action on a few occasions and every time we’ve been impressed with small Korean. From a nation where no-one really expects them to pull up trees in South Africa, to have a player with so much talent was quite startling. Believe me when I say this, Jong Tong-Se is player to keep an eye out for in South Africa.

Strengths

Undoubtedly North Korea’s strength is their defending. The coach, Kim Jong-Hun, is clearly a wise man as throughout qualifying he kept faith with Korea’s solid set up, defending with large numbers but in an organised and well disciplined fashion They are a tough team to break down as they work hard and vigourously as a defensive unit to reduce the time and space the opponent has to enjoy on the ball when they approach Korea’s penalty area. Jong-Hun knows full well that were he to play attacking football, even against those nations back home in Asia who are superior in technical ability, his players would be on the receiving end of a mauling. The aim in South Africa will be more of the same; defend in numbers, with discipline and with army like organisation in a bid to perhaps sneak a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

Weaknesses

The lack of well know players, the fact Korea don’t seem to have a striker in their midst to score the necessary amount of goals in South Africa needed to spring a surprise, there is plenty to be concerned about with North Korea. The fact only a select few ply their trade over in Europe is a massive concern as give half the chance, every one of the North Korean players would jump at the opportunity to play in Europe, which basically means they aren’t good enough.

North Korea Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Asia
Group: 2
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-4-0
Goals Scored: 12
Goals Conceded: 4 

World Cup Potential: 1/5

While few will even give North Korea a mention in their games in South Africa, the coach and the players will arrive in high spirits feeling confident that they can spring a few surprise. The aim will be not to fold or roll over in a Group most teams would be scared senseless about playing in.

The Koreans are a team full of home-grown players, with the majority of the team based in Asia. While this remains an apparent flaw in that very few have had the chance nor are good enough to play in some of Europe’s biggest leagues, it should lead to a closer group of players, a more united front from the Koreans as they set out to raise a few eyebrows in South Africa. We, though, if we’re brutally honest, can only see the Koreans leaving Africa with nothing to show for their hard work during qualifying, but then again just to be in their second World Cup in South Africa is an achievement in itself, while an expected ’0′ points from their tough looking group will only slightly taint what will be a memorable few weeks for North Korea and it’s fans back home nonetheless

North Korea World Cup Betting Odds

North Korea to win the World Cup:         2500 – Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on North Korea were 200/1 

Official North Korea World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Myong-Guk Ri (Pyongyang City)
Myong-Gil Kim (Amrokgang)
 

Defenders

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

Midfielders

Yong-Hak An (Omiya Ardija)
Kyong-Il Kim (Rimyongsu)
Yong-Jun Kim (Pyongyang City)
In-Guk Mun (April 25)
Nam-Chol Pak (Amrokgang)
Chol-Myong Ri (Pyongyang City)
Sung Hyok Pak (Sobaeksu)
 

Strikers

Chol-Hyok An (Rimyongsu)
Kum-Chol Choe (April 25)
Tae Se Jong (= Chong Tese) (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yong-Jo Hong (FK Rostow)
Kum-Il Kim (April 25)
Myong-Won Kim (Pyongyang)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 North Korea Fixtures – Group G

World Cup 2010 Group G - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

Portugal

Portugal will again look to star player Cristiano Ronaldo to lift them out of their perceived troubles. Ronaldo himself though will have to watch his step, after he picked up a yellow card in a case of mistaken identity against the Ivory Coast, which an appeal failed to overturn. One more yellow for him and he would miss their third and final match of the group against Brazil. Well, first things first, and Portugal need to show much more craft and guile than they did when they played out one of dullest draws of the first round of group fixtures. They tied with the Ivory Coast 0-0, with neither side looking like they were really interested in pressing forward and taking the game by the horns. In such a vital match, where victory would have given either side a huge advantage in the group, neither wanted to go for it. A predictable goal less draw ensued, with very little in the way of goal mouth action. One thing which stood out about Portugal, is that they lacked a spark of inspiration, and their negative play even rubbed off on Cristiano Ronaldo, who faded from the game fairly quickly. He created the most exciting moment of the match when he crashed a wicked long range shot against the wood work.

Portugal had tough times at the start of European qualification, lacking goals and leaking them at the back. However, they turned that around, picking up some good results in the end, without ever looking too impressive or free flowing. They did show a lot of grit and determination though, qualities which many thought they would lack as they fought back to finish second in their group. Again they will need to show some of that fighting quality, especially if the Ivory Coast manage to get anything out of Brazil in their Group F match. The lack of creativity and poor final balls, will be worrying coach Carlos Queiroz as he will have seen how stubborn North Korea were against Brazil. Even though they have Ronaldo, Portugal look as if they are lacking true world class up front, and surprisingly Simao was left on the bench in favour of Dani, who failed to make any kind of impact. The situation is clear for Portugal. They need to win, and they also need to fire some goals in against North Korea, as this is the one group where goal difference could be a very thin line between reaching the second round or not.

Portugal World Cup Betting. The Europeans do not look as if they have that many goals in them. They will need to show the same patience that Brazil did against the disciplined North Koreans and keep plugging away. When things weren’t going right for them against the Ivory Coast however, they sort of lost their shape and their way, and faded away from the game. They cannot afford to do that if they want to get through, and in a World Cup of upsets, is there just a hint of one here? A draw would be a remarkable result for North Korea, but you have to fancy Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo just to battle through and edge this one. Winning is the priority, even though a hatful of goals would serve them well. Back them to win, as that is their priority, and Ronaldo as anytime scorer is always worth a punt.

Portugal World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P1, W0, D1, L0
GF/GA: 0/0
Cards: Y1, R0
Most Shots: Cristiano Ronaldo, 3
Top Scorer: N/A
Shots/On Goal: 7/2
Fouls Committed: 13
Total Passes: 543
Pass Completion: 79%

North Korea

North Korea were one of the nice surprises of the first round of group matches at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in a surprising way. You could physically see how much respect that Brazil were paying them before, during and after the match, and the incredibly disciplined Asians stood up to the mighty South Americans very well for periods of the game. They were never threatening to win the game or anything, but they sure made Brazil work for the win. Brazil have a better work ethic than Portugal, so if the North Koreans can push Portugal deep into the second half at 0-0, then we will see the Portuguese getting very edgy and nervy. Quite how North Korea stuck to their game plan, formation and tactics against Brazil, and bagged themselves a consolation goal in the process, was a mystery, but actually a joy to watch. They really contributed to the game and the atmosphere through dare we say, almost military like precision and discipline.

North Korea World Cup Betting. They won’t be expected to get anything out of any of their group matches to be honest, but if they turn out another impressive defensive performance, then they will again be able to hold their heads high. Big underdogs, but they could frustrate and cause Portugal head aches for long periods of the match. Due to Portugal’s lack of impetus up front, bookmaker odds are actually being quite generous to the Asian nation.

North Korea World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P1, W0, D0, L1
GF/GA: 1/2
Cards: Y0, R0
Most Shots: Jong Tae Se, 4
Top Scorer: Ji Yun Nam, 1
Shots/On Goal: 11/3
Fouls Committed: 10
Total Passes: 362
Pass Completion: 66%

Portugal v North Korean Betting Odds

Portugal to win: 4/11 at Bet365
Draw: 4/1 at BetFred
Korea DPR: 10/1 at SkyBet

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Thought you would see North Korea take a price of 7/5 (with Paddy Power) into a match against Portugal? Well, that’s what you can get, and no doubt punters will jump on that, just for the sheer enjoyment of seeing North Korea hold out for a draw. You can even stretch the above handicap out a little more and still find pretty decent value. This is backing the Koreans to hold out to lose by no more than one, but you’ll lose only half your stake if they lose by two.
North Korea +1.75 for 10/11 at Victor Chandler
 

Portugal V North Korea Odds:

Group G Teams: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal, North Korea. The mighty Brazil will dominate all of the headlines in this group, as their methodical approach to the greatest football tournament on Earth, continues ominously. They are the top ranked FIFA team in the World, they have been one of the strong front runners in World Cup Odds, and are going in search of their record sixth World Cup triumph. Online bookmakers are taking a lot of money on Brazil, and rightly so. Their record is second to none, and they have been the most prepared team ahead of the finals. With an interesting passage to the final, the eyes of the world will be on Brazil, to see if they can deliver. The pressure is on them, but is there a nation better equipped to deal with it? The time is now to get your early bets down on Brazil to win the touranment outright, as well as any other outright bets. Once they start progressing, their odds will get shorter and shorter. Here our guide to the best value bets in each World Cup group, continues with Group G.

Outright Market: Brazil 8/13 at Ladbrokes
Little surprise here. When this group was drawn at the World Cup draw, it was immediately dubbed the group of death, with the looks on paper that it would be a close run thing. However, with the Ivory Coast showing their usual problems of looking like a team of superstars instead of looking like a superstar team at the African Cup of Nations, and with Portugal having struggled through European qualification, suddenly the group looks a lot clearer. Brazil coach Dunga should be one of the most confident coaches at South Africa 2010. He has not played any games with the press, and since taking over has done things his way, which may have meant that Brazil compromise a little on style, but they are a much stronger team for what Dunga has done. There is a strong defensive aura about the South American legends at the moment, and they have the ability to catch teams on the break. This will unquestionably put a lot of fear in not only the other group rivals, but the rest of the genuine challengers for the World Cup. If things progress through the tournament as expected, then Brazil should run into England in the semi finals. The five time world champions look a lot stronger right now than any of their group rivals. They open with the easiest task of playing North Korea, and with the Ivory Coast and Portugal taking points off each other in their opening fixture, Brazil should be in pole position after the first round of games. It is difficult to see them losing grip of that, and that is why, although at lower odds obviously, this does represent a fairly safe bet.

Not To Qualify: Ivory Coast Evens at Blue Square
The Ivory Coast are a bet worth taking in this, whether or not Didier Drogba plays. Their iconic striker fractured his arm in a pre-tournament warm up, and while his operation has gone well, coach Sven Goran Eriksson is still unsure of what type of role the Chelsea man will be able to play in the tournament. One thing is for certain, and that the Ivory Coast need him. Going into the tournament, the Ivory Coast are seen as the strongest of the African Nations, and rightly so, as it is a team which has been together for a very long time, and is the African nation packed with superstars. However, they have never shown much of an ability to play as a team, and that has been their downfall, as displayed again at the African Cup of Nations this year. Howeve,r they now have ex England coach Sven Goran Eriksson leading them, and while the Swede has not had a lot of time to prepare the Elephants for the World Cup, there is also doubt over whether his style of management is right for the Ivorians. There is a bit of a dichotomy over this one, as Eriksson may have to cede some of his style, and let the players dominate how the Ivory Coast turn out. Eriksson may not have at his disposal, the type of players which he likes to work into his conservative tactics. Because of these reasons, amplified if Drogba does not play a full role, this bet represents some good value in seeing the Ivory Coast fall short again. Given a different group, they may have had more of a chance, but this is a very tricky one, as explained in the next best value bet below.

To Finish Second: Portugal 13/10 at Boylesports
As much as they struggled to get to the World Cup, Portugal also bring with them some good World Cup Odds. This is largely down to the fact that they did struggle, however, out of all the doom and gloom surrounding them, and their grey clouds of uncertainty, there is in air about them. An air that they will do much better when the tournament starts. They have good players in their squad, that is without question, and one thing which should give them a lot of confidence, is that they dug so deep in recovering from poor form during qualification, to actually get to South Africa 2010, that they must be feeling somewhat unbreakable. They are not one of the strongest challengers in the tournament, that is for sure, but if you are looking for a mysterious dark horse that is probably getting overlooked right now, then you probably should not look much further than Portugal. Yes, they have Cristiano Ronaldo, and as much as he does not want to admit it, he will probably have to carry the nation on his shoulders. There is not the same amount of all round quality and ability in the Portugal side as say Brazil, Holland and Spain, but if they can put that aside and turn out as a team, the few world stars they carry could elevate them. This is an outside bet, but at the price, the value makes sense to have a nice punt on it.

Group Stage Most Goals Scored: Portugal 9/4 at Bwin
As Brazil are expected to win the group, the natural tendency for your betting strategy would be to think that they would win it in style, scoring freely and running riot. You may not see that type of Brazil at South Africa 2010, but judging by the problems the other teams in the running have, they are probably still worth a safe bet in this market. But if you want to push the boat out a little bit, then looking at Portugal again, may serve you a little better in terms of odds. They have the ability to score, even though it fell short in qualification at times. Again, this bet is backing Portugal to come good, where they have not showed a great deal of promise so far. It will all be down to how well they get off the mark against the Ivory Coast. Portugal have the ability to creatively break other teams down, and they can get behind teams down the flanks, so if it comes together for them, then there could be plenty of goals in the World Cup for them.

To Finish Bottom: North Korea 1/5 at Coral
This is the safe bet of the group, just as it is for Brazil winning the group. Therefore there are no great odds on offer here, but if you want to back up the likes of the above bet, which is a more borderline one, with a cert in making up a multiple bet, then it can make a good building block in your betting strategy. If the North Koreans pick up a point in this group they will do well. They look well short of what South Korea can bring to the World Cup stage, and having landed in the worst group possible, it will be something if they can make any kind of impact.

Group F World Cup Betting Preview: It has been dubbed the Group of Death, and it’s not hard to see why. While all the fun an anticipation of the World Cup 2010 Draw was about which groups France and Portugal, two of the dangerous floaters in the draw, would land in, it was Cristiano Ronaldo’s nation which drew the short straw.

World Cup Teams: Brazil, Korea DPR, Ivory Coast, Portugal

One of the two favourites for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are the great Brazilians, the nation with the most World Cup history and prestige about them. The mighty Brazilians have gotten their hands on the trophy five times, and they are always somewhere at the head of the prices when it comes to World Cup Betting. They won their qualification group in South America, but were pushed very hard by Paraguay and Chile. Brazil, managed by Dunga have been playing with AC Milan’s Ronaldinho, and that is a mark of the quality which they have. They have so much quality in their squad with the likes of Luis Fabiano, Nilmar, Kaka and Robinho that it is no surprise that they will be one of the strongest nations in South Africa. This is largely down to their style of play, and the inherent technical ability which seems to course through their individuals players. The current side legend Dunga has at his disposal, may not be one of out and out flair that the Brazils of the past may have been, but maybe this is playing up to new strengths. The current Brazil is efficient and strong in defence and has plenty of strength in depth as well. They are, and probably will always be the team to beat, and betting on Brazil at the World Cup will continue to be plentiful. Are they in a position to win the 2010 FIFA World cup in South Africa? The undeniable answer to that, is yes. Fabiano hit 9 goals in qualification, keeping up his incredible goal scoring record for his country, but Brazil did suffer two defeats along the way, once to Bolivia and once to World Cup dark horses Paraguay. That didn’t halt their progress though, as they finished as group top scorers, and the team with the best defence. Uncharacteristically, it could be the defensive side of the current Brazilian game which leads them to glory in South Africa. They open their World Cup 2010 account against Korea DPR, which set them on a good path. The Ivory Coast landed themselves a tough draw for the second World Cup running. After being lumped in with Germany and Argentina at the last tournament, they now have to deal with Portugal and Brazil. They had a disappointing African Cup of Nations, which resulted in them sacking their manager. They have now drafted in former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson, in the hope that the Swede’s experience can gel the team together and get them out of the group. Looking at the World Cup Fixtures for this group though, it won’t be easy, and their opening match against Portugal is something of a crucial decider. Whoever wins that would put themselves in pole position to grab an expected second place behind Brazil. The Ivory Coast have star players in the likes of the Toure brothers and their talisman Didier Drogba. The current side has been together for a long time, and it is a little surprise that they were so individualised at the African Cup of Nations. Whether Sven Goran Eriksson’s defensive and economic style will suit them remains to be seen, but he could bring the kind of qualities to the team that were successful in getting England through tricky qualification groups. The third factor in Group G is Portugal, who only qualified for the tournament by the skin of their teeth. For some reason they struggled badly through their European Group, and stumbled over the line behind Denmark. This put them out of the seeding and landed them an unfavourable draw. Like the Ivory Coast they have their stars in Deco and Cristiano Ronaldo, but whether the quality throughout the team is there, is another question entirely. There are two sides to look at when betting on Portugal. Yes, they had a hard time qualifying, but they showed quite a lot of resilience in actually managing to qualify under some considerable pressure. They do perhaps have the edge of the Ivory Coast, and that first World Cup Fixture will be crucial for them. Quite what the Korea DPR will be able to bring to the table in this Group other than being the whipping boys, is hard to determine. They performed above and beyond expectations in reaching the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals, in a group where the Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia were favourites, but they do hold one of the most remarkable pieces of World Cup history, as they famously beat Italy in 1966. The stand out name for Korea DPR is Jong Tae-Se, who is their star striker, and their speed could cause defences problems, but overall ability will fall short in this incredibly tough group. The draw could have been kinder to them, but if they go home with a point it will be a surprise. This is the toughest group because there are three genuine contenders, but only two tickets available for safe passage through to the last sixteen of the tournament.

Group F Betting Stats (World Cup History form in brackets)
(Final outcomes of Golden Goal, Extra Time and Penalty Shoot Out results count as wins or losses)

Brazil: The nation which has made the World Cup their own. They have encountered Portugal once before in the World Cup, back in 1996, with unhappy memories. In Liverpool, the Portuguese ran out 3-1 winners. No history against Korea DPR or the Ivory Coast in the World Cup. (P92, W66, D11, L15)

Ivory Coast: Still waiting to make their impact on the World Stage, and again they have been dealt a rough hand. Didier Drogba will need to shine, and need to get off to a strong start. No history against the other nations. (P3, W1, D0, L2)

Korea DPR:  Famously made it the Quarter Finals in 1966, beating Italy along their way, which was their crowning glory in their brief World Cup history. Who beat them in those Quarter Finals? Group rivals Portugal 5-3. (P4, W1, D1, L2)

Portugal: Just the one triumph over Brazil in the group stages of the 1966 World Cup, which was the last time Brazil failed to get past the first stage. (P19, W12, D0, L7)

World Cup Group G - Table

Group Stage Fixture List

World Cup Betting at SportingBet for Outright Winner of Group G, has Portugal at 7/2, Ivory Coast at 4/1, North Korea 100/1 and Brazil are favourites at 9/20 (and 5/1 to Win the World Cup Outright).

 Manager: Kim Jong-Hun
Captain: Hong Yong-Jo
FIFA Ranking: 105
World Cup appearances: 1 – 1966
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals – 1966 

North Korea Team Profile

North Korea were the surprise package during qualifying as they defied the odds to snatch one of the four available automatic qualification spots to book their rightful place in South Africa where they’ll take to the field for just their second World Cup. The last time North Korea were involved in such a prestigious and global football spectacle was way back in 1966, a year when England won the World Cup on English soil and the North Koreans surpassed everyone’s expectations by finishing as a losing quarter-finalists. They surely won’t record a personal best in South Africa as times have dramatically changed since their glory days of 66, but the Koreans will nevertheless make the most of this glorious opportunity, while their reward for all their hard work during qualifying was to be dropped slap bang in the middle of South Africa’s version of the ‘Group of Death’.

North Korea, if they were truly honest with each other, won’t make any real inroads considering the standard of football around Europe and South America these days, so the dream would have been to land a group which consisted of at least one of the world’s biggest footballing forces. They got that in Brazil, but as typical as their surprise inclusion in South Africa was, North Korea were then handed their second dream game as Portugal were drawn in the same group as themselves, as well as an interesting match up with the Ivory Coast from South Africa. The Koreans will get a taster of just about everything in South Africa, making their qualification well worthwhile despite the likelihood of some big defeats in South Africa when they finally land. 

Nickname: Chollima

North Korea Key Players

The majority of the North Korea team are based in Asia, plying their trade in either the North Korean league of the Japanese J-League. With this, means the squad aren’t instantly recognisable, while none actually ring any bells if truth be told. But that will be seen as a double edged sword in that while the assumption maybe that North Korea’s players aren’t perhaps good enough to play in Europe, the fact we don’t know an awful lot about them makes them a little bit dangerous due to their unknown quantity feel about them.

Hong Yong-Jo looks to be the leading player in the North Korea camp, while he’s one of just a handful in the squad which has European experience through playing in Russia with FC Rostov. Yong-Jo is one of the more matured players in the Korea squad at 27 years-old, while his experience in Russia, aided by his 11 goals in 38 international appearances has led to Yong-Jo receiving the captains armband for his country.  

Jong Tong-Se or ‘The People’s Rooney’ as the natives like to call him, is one of the more exciting players in the North Korea team, with his ambition and forward aggression complimented by some natural pace. Jong is a player which can make things happen, he doesn’t sit around waiting for the ball to come to him, the Kawasaki Frontale forward isn’t afraid to come deep and collect the ball from the half-way line, while at the same time he has this fearless attitude when it comes to charging into the heart of the opponents defence. The same can be said about some of his ‘audacious’ attempts from distance, willing to have a pop at goal.

We’ve seen Jong Tong-Se in action on a few occasions and every time we’ve been impressed with small Korean. From a nation where no-one really expects them to pull up trees in South Africa, to have a player with so much talent was quite startling. Believe me when I say this, Jong Tong-Se is player to keep an eye out for in South Africa.

Strengths

Undoubtedly North Korea’s strength is their defending. The coach, Kim Jong-Hun, is clearly a wise man as throughout qualifying he kept faith with Korea’s solid set up, defending with large numbers but in an organised and well disciplined fashion They are a tough team to break down as they work hard and vigourously as a defensive unit to reduce the time and space the opponent has to enjoy on the ball when they approach Korea’s penalty area. Jong-Hun knows full well that were he to play attacking football, even against those nations back home in Asia who are superior in technical ability, his players would be on the receiving end of a mauling. The aim in South Africa will be more of the same; defend in numbers, with discipline and with army like organisation in a bid to perhaps sneak a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

Weaknesses

The lack of well know players, the fact Korea don’t seem to have a striker in their midst to score the necessary amount of goals in South Africa needed to spring a surprise, there is plenty to be concerned about with North Korea. The fact only a select few ply their trade over in Europe is a massive concern as give half the chance, every one of the North Korean players would jump at the opportunity to play in Europe, which basically means they aren’t good enough.

North Korea Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Asia
Group: 2
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 4-4-0
Goals Scored: 12
Goals Conceded: 4 

World Cup Potential: 1/5

While few will even give North Korea a mention in their games in South Africa, the coach and the players will arrive in high spirits feeling confident that they can spring a few surprise. The aim will be not to fold or roll over in a Group most teams would be scared senseless about playing in.

The Koreans are a team full of home-grown players, with the majority of the team based in Asia. While this remains an apparent flaw in that very few have had the chance nor are good enough to play in some of Europe’s biggest leagues, it should lead to a closer group of players, a more united front from the Koreans as they set out to raise a few eyebrows in South Africa. We, though, if we’re brutally honest, can only see the Koreans leaving Africa with nothing to show for their hard work during qualifying, but then again just to be in their second World Cup in South Africa is an achievement in itself, while an expected ’0′ points from their tough looking group will only slightly taint what will be a memorable few weeks for North Korea and it’s fans back home nonetheless

North Korea World Cup Betting Odds

North Korea to win the World Cup:         2500 – Bet365

Before the World Cup the odds on North Korea were 200/1 

Official North Korea World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Myong-Guk Ri (Pyongyang City)
Myong-Gil Kim (Amrokgang)
 

Defenders

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

Midfielders

Yong-Hak An (Omiya Ardija)
Kyong-Il Kim (Rimyongsu)
Yong-Jun Kim (Pyongyang City)
In-Guk Mun (April 25)
Nam-Chol Pak (Amrokgang)
Chol-Myong Ri (Pyongyang City)
Sung Hyok Pak (Sobaeksu)
 

Strikers

Chol-Hyok An (Rimyongsu)
Kum-Chol Choe (April 25)
Tae Se Jong (= Chong Tese) (Kawasaki Frontale)
Yong-Jo Hong (FK Rostow)
Kum-Il Kim (April 25)
Myong-Won Kim (Pyongyang)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 North Korea Fixtures – Group G

World Cup Group G - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of North Korea