More On :  Korea DPR (PRK)
Having qualified for their first World Cup in 44 years, one would think that the DPRK footballing world would be in a pleasant mood. In fact the team's first round exit apparently prompted great rancour back in Pyongyang, resulting in the dismissal of the then-coach and a new look for the national team.

At the 2011 Asian Cup the Flying Horse team will look to regain some much-needed confidence and silence the critics that emerged after the team's 7-0 loss to Portugal. Those who think back to the narrow 2-1 loss to Brazil will feel that the squad is capable of a good result in Qatar.

How They Qualified

The lowest-ranked qualifier for the competition, North Korea were seeded just 24th out of 27 prior to qualification's beginning - and even then two teams below them withdrew. But in fact the DPRK did not have to take part in the qualification campaign, for they won the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup back in February: lifting this trophy assures automatic qualification. The Koreans enjoyed some superb results, not least a 5-0 thrashing of Myanmar in the semi-final, but needed penalties to win the competition as a whole.



Coach & Tactics

World Cup coach Kim Jong-Hun was quietly ousted from his post after the DPRK's first round elimination in South Africa, with FIFA concluding that as recently as August he remained in charge. The new man in charge is Jo In-Cheol. The ex-defender formerly coached his old playing side, the April 25 club of Pyongyang. Having taken charge of four friendlies so far, the DPRK are unbeaten under his watch: in Hanoi, Vietnam, the DPRK managed a win and a draw against their hosts as well as a 2-1 victory over Singapore. Most recently North Korea drew 1-1 with Yemen in Aden. As befits his former position on the pitch, Kim is known to favour a defensive style of play, often using a target man on forays forward.

Star Player

The most recognisable face in the North Korean line-up is that of Jong Tae-Se. An imposing forward, he is one of the growing Japan-born contingent of DPRK internationals, and thus possesses that crucial overseas experience that so many of his compatriots lack. He left Kawasaki Frontale after the World Cup for German second-tier outfit VfL Bochum, for whom he's enjoyed a fine start to the season.

Also keep an eye out for Pak Nam-Chol, a young centre-back who came from virtually nowhere to play a positive and versatile role at the 2010 World Cup.

Fans’ Expectations

North Korean fans are hard to come by, but given their recent defensive improvements and fine showing during World Cup 2010 qualification, a sympathiser for the team will see the knockout stage as a distinct possibility. The DPRK will once again come face to face with an Iran side whom they drew with and lost against once each during qualifying, and the UAE, from whom the North took six points from six. Results against Iran will thus be crucial in the race for first place, while Iraq are also considered decent opponents.

Goal.com Prediction

There is little to suggest that the DPRK can't secure at least second place in their group. Granted, playing in West Asia will pose a challenge, but the squad is playing fewer and fewer games at home these days anyway, perhaps by way of preparation. So long as the UAE don't spring a surprise the DPRK can at the very least avoid bottom spot and, provided they keep it tight at the back, will finish second in their group with at least a draw against Iran.
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Top Scorers
Player Goals Penalties
Nam-Chol I Pak Nam-Chol I Pak
Defender
Korea DPR 		4 0
Song-Hyok Jang Song-Hyok Jang
Defender
Korea DPR 		2 2
Kwang-Ryong Pak Kwang-Ryong Pak
Striker
Korea DPR 		2 0
Kuk-Chol Jang Kuk-Chol Jang
Defender
Korea DPR 		2 0
Kwang Ik Jon Kwang Ik Jon
Defender
Korea DPR 		1 0