Coach: Kim Jong-hun
Player to Watch: Jong Tae-se-
World Cup Record: Previous World Cup appearance in 1966 where they got to the quarter-final
World Ranking: 106
Group G Schedule:
15 June – Brazil v North Korea
21 June – Portugal v North Korea
25 June – North Korea v Ivory Coast
North Korea's return to the World Cup finals has rekindled memories of their dream run to the quarter-finals in 1966 in England. However, it is their behaviour off the field that is likely to draw most attention. In a controversial qualifying campaign, the North refused to play the South's anthem or raise the South's flag in Pyongyang, forcing their matches to be moved to Shanghai.
They also protested to FIFA that their players were poisoned before a match in Seoul. Tension between the two countries rose recently when South Korea accused the North of torpedoing one of its warships.
Jong Tae-se. Dubbed the 'People's Wayne Rooney' by Asian media, Jong's bustling, all-action style keeps defenders on their toes for 90 minutes. The Japan-based striker is the North's main scoring threat and needs no invitation to have a crack at goal.
Final Squad:
Kim Myong-gil, Kim Myong-won (both Amrokgang), Ri Myong-guk (Pyongyang City);
An Chol-hyok (Rimyongsu), An Yong-hak (Omiya Ardija), Cha Jong-hyok (Amrokgang), Choe Kum-chol (April 25), Hong Yong-jo (FK Rostov), Ji Yun-nam (April 25), Jong Tae-se (Kawasaki Frontale), Kim Hum-il (April 25), Kim Kyong-il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong-jun (Pyongyang City), Mun In-guk, Nam Song-chol (both April 25), Pak Chol-jin (Amrokgang), Pak Nam-chol (April 25), Pak Nam-chol (Amrokgang), Pak Sung-hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol-myong (Pyongyang City), Ri Jun-il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang-chon (April 25), Ri Kwang-hyok (Kyonggongop).
