History
In their only previous World Cup in 1966, the North Korea produced one of the fascinating stories of the tournament’s history, beating European heavyweights Italy to march into the quarter-finals. In the quarter final game they flew into a three-goal lead against Portugal within 25 minutes, only for Eusebio to go on to strike four times in a 5-3 comeback win for the Portuguese.

Qualification
A point away in Saudi Arabia in the final game of a marathon qualifying campaign secured North Korea’s place at the World Cup for just the second time. A staggering 9-2 aggregate win over Mongolia back in 2007 was followed by a preliminary group stage, where - despite scoring just four goals in the six games - they qualified in second place behind their fellow Koreans thanks to a faultless defensive record. After a tricky draw for the fourth and final round of qualifying, North Korea started with a 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates, and lost just two of their next six games, leaving them in the second automatic qualifying place in Group B with one game remaining, just ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference. Another terrific defensive effort secured a 0-0 draw that the nation needed to make it to the World Cup for the first time in over 40 years.

Prospects
North Korea face the toughest of tasks to make it out of qualifying after being drawn alongside Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. South Africa will be the nation’s second taste of World Cup football, after they shocked the world in 1966, beating Italy to become the first ever Asian team to make it out of the first round. However, a 5-3 defeat to Portugal in the quarter-finals - with the tournament’s top-scorer Eusebio bagging four - put paid to a glamour semi-final clash with hosts England. North Korea’s squad is relatively unknown, with most players yet to ply their trade outside of their home nation. Much will rely on the fitness of star man and captain in qualifying, Hong Yong-Jo - who plays for Russian Premier League side FC Rostov - while young striker Jong Tae-se has a formidable striking record for both club - Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale - and country and could be a threat on the counter-attack. Qualification from Group G is unlikely for a side who will need to recreate their superb defensive form from qualifying to stand any chance of picking up points against some of the best players in world football.