World Cup 2010

Exclusive - North Korea Star An Yong Hak: Please Underestimate Us At The World Cup!

All over the world, thoughts are turning to the draw...

Nov 28, 2009 3:06:11 AM

An Yong Hak, North Korea DPRK (Getty Images)

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An Yong Hak, North Korea DPRK (Getty Images)

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Yong Hak An

An Yong Hak has told Goal.com that he hopes that the rest of the world continues to see North Korea as three easy points at the 2010 World Cup.

The midfielder was an ever-present as North Korea qualified for their first global tournament since 1966.

At the England World Cup, the Chollima shocked the planet by defeating Italy on their way to the quarter-finals.

That was a long time ago and these days, the East Asians are seen as desirable group opponents by many of the other 31 nations waiting to find out their World Cup fate at the draw in Cape Town on December 4.

The 31 year-old understands why this is the case but believes that it will be to North Korea’s benefit if the situation continues.

“It is inevitable because we have qualified for the final for the first time in 44 years and we haven’t showed any good record in international tournaments since then,” An told Goal.com.

The midfield schemer had a few words of warning however.

“Our team-work compares well to any other team because we have trained together longer and with longer training days than anybody else.

"If others think that it will be easy to defeat North Korea, that will be good for us.”

John Duerden

Asia Editor

john.duerden@goal.com

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