Korea DPR (North Korea)

Nickname: Chollima
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking: 105

Korea DPR surprisingly qualified for the World Cup, coming in second in their final group behind neighboring Korea Republic (a.k.a. South Korea). It was a difficult qualification campaign in the final group stage, where they played eight games, winning three, tying three and losing two. They eventually went through on goal differential, as they were tied with Saudia Arabia in points. This will be North Korea’s second World Cup appearance, having previously qualified in 1966. The North Koreans will hope to repeat the magic of that World Cup, where they shocked Italy 1-0 and made it to the quarterfinals.

Korea DPR will enter this World Cup as the ultimate underdogs, having the lowest ranking of all the teams in the tournament (105). Unfortunately for them, they were placed in what is arguably the hardest group of all. Group G includes three contenders to win it all, starting with the always-favored Brazil (ranked 1st), the very talented Portugal (ranked 3rd) and African favorites Cote d’Ivoire (ranked 27th). Korea DPR would really shock the world if they managed to make it to the second round.

Coach

The Chollima are coached by Korean Kim Jong-Hun. Jong-Hun appears to be reserved and secluded, as is the entire country of Korea DPR. The North Koreans try to keep as much to themselves as possible and are hoping that the lack of knowledge about their team will help them surprise some folks. What is known about Jong-Hun is that he is a very defensive-oriented coach who believes in discipline and work ethic. His team will be overwhelmed by their opponent’s talent and skill but not by their physical fitness or desire.

Key Players

There are not many known names on this squad and that could be their biggest key to success. It will be hard for the teams in their group to prepare for them, as not much is known about them. There are a couple of names, though, that should be paid attention to and, surprisingly, they are attacking players. In arguably the most defensive-minded team in the tournament, the keys to their success may flow through forward Jong Tae-Se. Tae-Se will have to play extremely well and use his great speed on the counter-attack for Korea DPR to surprise some folks.