North Korea Football Team: A Guide to the Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'ukku Kukgaedaehyŏn
Introduction
The North Korean national football team, officially known as the Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'ukku Kukgaedaehyŏn, represents North Korea in international football competitions. The team is governed by the DPR Korea Football Association and competes in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
History
North Korea first entered the international football scene in 1956, when they competed in the Summer Olympics in Melbourne. The team made its FIFA World Cup debut in 1966, becoming only the second Asian nation to qualify for the tournament. North Korea shocked the world by defeating Italy in the group stage and advancing to the quarterfinals, where they eventually lost to Portugal.
Recent Performances
North Korea has not qualified for a FIFA World Cup since 2010. However, the team has continued to compete in the AFC Asian Cup, with their best result being a fourth-place finish in 2011. In recent years, North Korea has also participated in the EAFF Championship, winning the tournament in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Current Team
The current North Korean national football team is composed of a mix of domestic and overseas-based players. Some of the notable players on the team include:
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Kim Shin-wook (Al Sadd)
- Hong Myong-won (Vegalta Sendai)
- Pak Kwang-ryong (Gimcheon Sangmu)
- Choe Kwang-nam (Koweït SC)
Conclusion
The North Korean national football team has a rich history and has achieved some notable successes on the international stage. The team remains a formidable opponent in Asia and will continue to be one to watch in the years to come.
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