FIFA RANKING : 106

Korea DPR seemingly came from nowhere to storm into the Asian Zone's final round of qualifying, where they defied sizeable odds to take one of the continent's four automatic spots at South Africa 2010. This Asian "Suprise Package" last qualified for the main event in 1966 in which they reached the Last Eight.

To reach the 2010 showpiece, they went through a gruelling qualification campaign spanning 20 months and a whopping 16 games..! They sealed their qualification with a last match day bravely fought draw against UAE.


THE MANAGER

Manager Kim Jong-Hun was only 10 years old when the Chollima made history at the 1966 World cup and now, 43 years on, he is the man who has guided them back into the pinnacle of World football. His squad consists largely of domestic home-grown players who lack International experience and thus he will be favouring a Pragmatic and Defensive approach based around Discipline and Teamwork.


THE SQUAD


Goalkeepers :
Ri Myong-Guk, Kim Myong-Gil.

Defenders :
Cha Jong-Hyok, Ri Jun-ll, Ri Kwang-Chon, Nam Song-Chol, Ji Yun-Nam, Ri Kwang-Hyok, Pak Chol-Jin, Pak Sung-Hyok, Pak Nam-Chol.

Midfielders :
Mun In-Guk, Kim Yong-Jun, Ri Chol-Myong, Pak Nam-Chol, Ahn Young-Hak, Kim Kyong-ll.

Forwards :
Hong Yong-Jo, An Chol-Hyok, Jong Tae-se, Choe Kum-Chol, Kim Kum-ll, Kim Myong-Won.


MAN TO WATCH
Hong Yong-Jo


Korea DPR will be looking upon their experienced captain Hong Yong-Jo to lead from the front and produce some firepower up front. He has been in good goal scoring touch throughout the Qualification campaign and the Chollima will be hoping for the same from him on the big stage.


FP VERDICT

Sorry all Korea DPR fans, it has to be said that in a group so competetive, i just cannot see Korea DPR ower powering either Brazil, Ivory Coast or Portugal. Group stage exit is very much on the cards and it would require a very inspirational performance from the Chollima to defy the odds.