FIFA World Cup 2010 Odds Preview North Korea: North Korea (Korea DPR) became the surprise of Asia in the zone's final round of qualifying, to take one of the continent's four automatic spots at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. According to oddsmakers, North Korea is the weakest side in the field of 32, lined at 2000-to-1 odds on the Bodog.com World Cup 2010 betting board.
The squad is coached by Kim Jong-Hun, who has done a marvelous job of molding a team made of up largely domestic-based players lacking in international experience. Jong-Hun favors a pragmatic and defensive approach boased around discipline and teamwork.
The North Koreans have experienced World Cup success in the past, making it all the way to the final eight in England in 1966 after defeating Italy by a single-goal. North Korea was unable to hold onto a three-goal lead in the quarterfinals, giving up four times in 25 minutes to Portugal in what became an all-time World Cup Classic.
North Korea's appearance in 1966 was their last and only previous appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals.
While most of the North Korean team come from domestic clubs, they do have a small overseas-based contingent who are vital cogs in the Korean maching. FC Rostov's H ong Yong-Jo is lethal up front and playing alongside Japan-based Jong Tae-Se, who has the power and pace to breach any rearguard. Home-based midfielder Mun In-Guk is the man who makes the team tick, while keeper Ri Myong-Guk's safe hands and agility can be relied upon between the sticks.
Jong-Hun would like to use the success of the country's 1966 team to drive his current team. "It was as a result of our hard work that we will return to the World Cup, 44 years after we reached last eight at England 1966. We are likely to meet European teams once more at South Africa 2010 and I hope we can repeat the feats of our predecessors."
North Korea's lesser known status probably leads to its lack of respect among oddsmakers.they are considered a mystery but considering the teams lack of international experience, especially against stronger European competition, it's unlikely they advance beyond the opening round.
North Korea is assigned to Group G, underdog to Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast.
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