North Korea beats Qatar 1-0 in friendly

DOHA, Qatar (AP)—North Korea beat Qatar 1-0 on Friday in a warm-up match ahead of next week’s Asian Cup.

Midfielder Ryang Yong-Gi converted a penalty in the 69th, and North Korea’s stingy backline neutralized the Qatari attack to hold on for the victory.

North Korea opens play at the Asian Cup next week against the United Arab Emirates. Iran and defending champion Iraq are also in North Korea’s group.

Asian Cup squad

Asian Cup squad

1 RI MYONG GUK 1 GK
2 KIM MYONG GIL 18 GK
3 RI KWANG IL 22 GK
4 CHA JONG HYOK 2 DF
5 RI JUN IL 3 DF
6 PAK NAM CHOL 4 DF
7 RI KWANG CHON 5 DF
8 JI YUN NAM 8 DF
9 PAK CHOL JIN 13 DF
10 PAK NAM CHOL 14 DF
11 RI KWANG HYOK 20 DF
12 CHOE MYONG HO 6 MF
13 RYANG YONG GI 7 MF
14 MUN IN GUK 11 MF
15 KIM YONG JUN 15 MF
16 AN YONG HAK 17 MF
17 KIM KUK JIN 23 MF
18 JONG TAE SE 9 FW
19 HONG YONG JO 10 FW
20 JON KWANG IK 12 FW
21 CHOE KUM CHOL 16 FW
22 AN CHOL HYOK 19 FW
23 PAK CHOL MIN 21 FW


http://www.the-afc.com/en/afc-asian-cup-2011-schedule-a-results?view=teamdetails&compID=242&roundID=498&groupID=684&teamID=71&id=0

Qatar friendly

North Korea will be playing a friendly against Qatar in Doha on 31. December .

Source : Qatar FA website

Last friendly before Asian Cup will be against Bahrain on 4. January

Today : Kuwait 2-2 North Korea

Second Kuwait - North Korea friendly today in Egypt .

North Korea drew 2-2 against Kuwait . HT result was 1-0 for Kuwait

YouTube : Kuwait - North Korea friendly

Kuwait 2-1 North Korea

Kuwait beat North Korea 2-1 in a friendly today. HT result was 1-1 , but Kuwait scored decisive goal in 90 min.

Match was played in 6 th October City near Cairo.

New friendly against Kuwait on 27. December

Bochum deny Jong-Tae Se Asian Cup ?

Bochum FA website report that they have denied striker Jong-Tae Se participation in Asian Cup. North Korea has informed Bochum after deadline claim Bochum.

Tae-se has been a instant success for the German Club , scoring 8 goals in 16 matches.

Bochum FA website

North Korea friendlies

Some changes in the schedule of the North Korean friendlies .

North Korea will play Kuwait on 24. and 27. December in Cairo and against Bahrain in National Stadium , Riffa on 4. January.

Sources : Kuwait FA website and goalzz.com

Gulf Daily News still report that Bahrain will play North Korea on 1. January.

Gulf Daily News

North Korea prepare for Asian Cup

North Korea have scheduled three friendlies before Asian Cup.

Two friendlies against Kuwait on 25 and 27. December in Cairo has been confirmed by Kuwait FA website.

Gulf Daily News in Bahrain reported today that Bahrain will play North Korea on 1. January.

Gulf Daily News

Kuwait friendlies

North Korea have scheduled two away friendlies against Kuwait on 23 and 25. December

Japan beats NKorea for Asian Games football gold

GUANGZHOU, China (AP)—Japan won its first Asian Games women’s football gold medal by beating the defending champion North Koreans 1-0 on Monday in a fiercely contested final.

After a scoreless first half, defender Azusa Iwashimizu broke through with her historic header in the 74th minute, helping her jubilant team claim the Asian Games title.

The disciplined and experienced Japanese, led by U.S.-based midfielders Homare Sawa and Aya Miyama, managed to keep the determined North Koreans from scoring the rest of the game.

The win was retribution for Japan’s 2006 loss to the top-seeded North Koreans in a penalty shootout at the last Asian Games in Doha.

“Four years ago we lost to North Korea in the final. Now we are here, we are four years older and we have a better mentality that helped us win,” Japan captain Aya Miyama said. “As I was listening to our national anthem from the podium, I was more calmed than excited.”

The North Koreans blamed fatigue after a difficult, 2-1 extra time win over South Korea in the semifinals.

“They have never gone through a match like this, and losing this match is a good experience for them,” coach Kim Kwang Min said in comments translated at a post-match news conference.

The coach said he was disappointed not to deliver another gold for North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Il.

“The leader … really is a women’s football fan. He takes good care of my players and looks at my players as if they were his daughters,” he said. “I’m sorry he couldn’t see their great efforts rewarded.”

Earlier Monday, South Korea claimed the bronze by beating China 2-0, reversing the result from four years ago when China won the third-place match.

The crowd at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou was raucous as Japan and North Korea played for the gold.

North Korea and Japan are historical rivals—Japan colonized Korea from 1910 to the end of World War II in 1945—and the match was heated on the field and off.

China remains North Korea’s main ally and has tussled with Japan over territorial disputes, and the fans were firmly behind the North Koreans. It translated into cheers for the Koreans and boos for the Japanese.

NKorea beats SKorea 3-1, reaches women’s final

GUANGZHOU, China (AP)—Ra Un Sim scored twice in extra time Saturday as defending champion North Korea beat archrival South Korea 3-1 for a spot in the women’s football final at the Asian Games.

North Korea captain Jo Yun Mi opened the scoring with a strike that soared past the South Korean goalkeeper just seconds before halftime.


South Korean substitute Yoo Young-a equalized in the second half from Jeon Ga-eul’s pass with just two minutes of regulation time remaining to force extra time.

Ra scored in each half of extra time, heading in Kim Kyong Hwa’s cross four minutes in and then scoring again to seal her team’s place in Monday’s final against Japan. The 22-year-old forward has scored three goals in these games.

South Korean coach Choi In-cheul said his team suffered from being down a player due to injury, and was exhausted from 120 minutes of game play.

“I congratulate the North Korean team because they won, but I think our team did the best they could,” he said.

The top-ranked North Koreans have won the gold at the last two Asian Games and are confident of defending their title.

The head coach for North Korea, Kim Kwang Min, praise his team’s speed as a key factor in their win against the South Koreans, but said they are looking ahead to a tough match against Japan, which edged China 1-0 in extra time earlier Saturday.

“The Japanese team is one of the best in Asia,” he told a post-game news conference. “This match will be very competitive and difficult.”

Asian Games - North Korea lost

The UAE defeated DPR Korea 9-8 in a penalty shootout after the two sides had battled to a 0-0 draw after extra-time.

Ri Chol-Myong had his penalty kick saved by Ali Housani in the UAE goal before Mohamed Al Shehhi tucked away his spotkick to send the Gulf side into the semi-finals.

Asian Games - North Korea - Vietnam

Asian Games - win against Vietnam

Guangzhou: Football powerhouse Japan crushed India 5-0 to move into the Asian Games quarter-finals on Tuesday where they were joined by DPR Korea who edged past Vietnam 2-0.

They stay in the gold medal hunt along with four-time champions Iran, triple winners Korea Republic, Uzbekistan and Oman who made the last eight on Monday.

----------

DPR Korea's clash with Vietnam was a much tighter affair, with Choe Kum-Chol 35th minute strike all that separated them for much of the match before Choe Myong-Ho converted a 91st minute penalty to seal the win.

afc.com

Asian Games - North Korea beat Jordan

North Korea beat Jordan 3-0 in final match in group stage in Asian Games .

Kim-Yong Jun scored in 18 min, Choe Myong-ho in 82 min and Choe Kum-Chol in 86 min

North Korea play Vietnam in Round of 16 on 16. November

North Korea drew Yemen

North Korea Men`s NT drew Yemen 1-1 away today.

The team is probably the same that competed in VFF Cup in Vietnam

Asian Games - North Korea win

North Korea won 3-0 against Palestine in second match in Asian Games (U23 +3) in China.

North Korea are already ready for next round.

Yemen friendly

North Korea NT play a friendly against Yemen on Wednesday in Sanaa.


North Korea Asian Games team play against Palestine same day in China

N.Korea celebrate 'major' victory over S.Korea

GUANGZHOU, China (AFP) - A confident North Korea was celebrating Monday after a "major" victory over arch-rivals South Korea at the Asian Games.

Ri Kwang-Chon got the decisive goal in the Group C game, heading home nine minutes before half-time, with Hong Myung-Bo's men unable to find a reply despite playing against 10 men for the final 25 minutes.

North Korean coach Jo Tong-Sop said his under-23 team, which includes a handful of players who featured at the World Cup in South Africa, was brimming with confidence and looking to go all the way here.

"Even though we had a player sent off, we were very confident and fought until the end," said Jo of the reclusive team.

"South Korea put great pressure on us, particularly in defence, but we still played very hard and achieved our goal.

"It was a major victory for us because we made a big study of Korea and their tactics."

Jo said he felt his team was capable of winning the gold medal, but they were also in Guangzhou to learn.

"Our objectives are simple—to enhance our experience of international matches. In addition, if we can play well we will try to qualify for the knockout rounds and win those games."

South Korean coach Hong Myung-Bo, who is looking to steer his team to their first Asian Games title in 24 years, was disappointed but not disheartened.

"Obviously it is very disappointing and unfortunate for us," he said.

"But we still have two more games to play and I believe that when we get our injured players back, we can win the next two games. I am confident we can still reach the final."

South Korea next face Jordan on Wednesday, while North Korea take on the Palestinian territories.

Asian Games - North Korea beat South Korea

North Korea beat South Korea 1-0 today in Asian Games in China.

RI Kwang Chon scored in 36 min .

Pak Nam Chol got red card in 65 min

North Korea celebrate double tournament victory

There was a double celebration for North Korea this weekend as national teams at two different levels emerged victorious in two separate international football tournaments.

The North Korean U16 side were crowned Asian U16 champions for the first time in their history on Sunday as they secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Uzbekistan at the Pakhtakor Stadium in Tashkent, with late strikes from Ri Kwang-il and Jo Kwang giving North Korea their second Asian youth football trophy in less than a month following the U19 side’s victory over Australia at the Asian U19 championships in China in October.

The full men’s team were also celebrating victory on Saturday night as their two wins and a draw in the 2010 Vietnam Football Federation SonHa Cup was enough to put them top of the four-team group and earn their second piece of silverware on Vietnamese soil in the past two months.

The North Korean squad previously won the Thang Long-Hanoi Football Cup at the end of September, and in the opening match of the SonHa Cup on November 2nd they came back from a goal down with goals in the last ten minutes from Ri Myong-jun and An Il-bom enough to earn a 2-1 victory over Singapore.

A 1-1 draw with a South Korean University XI in the second game on November 4th, followed by their southern rivals falling to a 2-0 defeat to Singapore in their final game, meant that the North Koreans knew victory over hosts Vietnam in the final match would see them top the standings and their 2-0 win on Saturday evening at Hanoi’s My Dinh stadium meant they were celebrating overall victory once again.


footkorean.net

North Korea lift VFF Cup

HA NOI — Myong Cha-hyon and Al Il-bom both scored to help North Korea to victory over Viet Nam and the VFF SONHA Cup at My Dinh National Stadium on Saturday.

North Korea, who beat Singapore 2-1 and drew with South Korea's U-23s 1-1, needed only a draw in their last game against the hosts, but they overpowered them in the second half to finish on a high.

The winners walked away with a US$20,000 cash-prize. Last month, North Korea also triumphed in the Millennium Thang Long Cup in Ha Noi.

Vietnam News

AFC U-16 Champions !

Tashkent: DPR Korea were crowned AFC U-16 Championship winners for the first time in history on Sunday after claiming a hard-fought 2-0 victory over 10-man Uzbekistan.

Backed by a capacity crowd at Pakhtakor Stadium the hosts were dominant from the outset and the DPR Korea defence were given their toughest test yet during the opening exchanges.

However, a straight red card after 30 minutes for Sardo Rakhmanov took the wind out of Uzbekistan’s sails and as the game wore on the balance of play began to swing in favour of the visitors.

It looked though as if the game would go to extra time only for late strikes from Ri Kwang-il and Jo Kwang to hand DPR Korea the trophy, the East Asian nation’s second youth title in less than a month following their under 19s success in China.

With the home fans in full voice, a nervous DPR Korea defence were looking somewhat shaky early in the game and gave away an early foul on the right side of the area. Timur Khakimov curled an effort towards goal that the visitors struggled to clear before Sardor Rakhmanov’s miss-hit shot went high and wide.

The crowd were celebrating in the 13th minute when Abbosbek Makhstaliev swept home but the goal was scrubbed out with the linesman having immediately raised his flag for offside.

Uzbekistan continued to threaten as Makhstaliev drilled a low free-kick that struck the bottom of the DPR Korea wall and fell at the feet of Muhammadjon Abdullaev, whose shot on the turn hit a defender before being cleared.

But the hosts were dealt a blow on the half hour when Rakhmanov was shown a straight red card after the defender leapt in feet first to challenge Jong Il-hyok.

Despite the man advantage DPR Korea were still yet to really threaten Ganisher Kholmurodov in the Uzbekistan goal and Jong fired high over the bar in the last effort of note for either side before the break.

Uzbekistan came out strong after the restart but DPR Korea had a good chance in the 55th minute when a mistake by Kholmurodov presented a chance for Kang Nam-gwon but the midfielder struggled to control the ball and sent his shot wide.

Ri Ji-song drove a low shot from the edge of the area straight at Kholmurodov 10 minutes later but the North Koreans were getting closer as Pak Myong-song stabbed a shot against the post after a free-kick had evaded almost everyone inside the area.

And their pressure eventually told when Khakimov was caught in possession just inside Uzbekistan’s half in the 74th minute and DPR Korea broke forward before Jo Kwang played a pass across the face of goal that presented fellow substitute Ri Kwang-il with a relatively simple finish from close range.

The game was then put beyond the hosts with five minutes remaining when the persistence of Ri Ji-song allowed Jang Ok-chol to have space down the left and his smart low cross was turned home at Kholmurodov’s near post by Jo Kwang.

afc.com

Jo Tong-sop to become North Korea national team manager

Reports from the North Korean camp ahead of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games suggest that national youth team coach and 2010 World Cup assistant manager Jo Tong-sop has been appointed manager of the North Korean national team side.

Jo’s appointment to the top job sees him replace Kim Jong-hun, who led the team to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa and has now returned to manage prominent domestic side April 25.

Jo previously led North Korea to victory over Japan at the 2006 AFC U-19 Championship and most recently tasted success in senior competition as he led the national team to victory at the AFC Challenge Cup in February, a victory that guaranteed participation in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar in January next year.

North Korea’s squad for the Asian Games contains ten of the players who travelled to South Africa in the summer, with defender Ri Kwang-chun and midfielders Pak Nam-chol and Kim Young-jun selected as the three overage wildcard picks.

First up for North Korea in Group C are their cross border rivals South Korea who they face at the Yuexiushan Stadium on November 8th, before facing Palestine on November 10th at Yingdong Stadium and then Jordan at the same venue on November 13th.

footkorean.net

North Korea win VFF Sohna Cup

North Korea won 2-0 against host Vietnam and won VFF Sohna Cup in Hanoi today

VFF Sohna Cup - North Korea drew South Korea U23

North Korea drew 1-1 against South Korea U23 University team in second match of VFF Sohna Cup in Vietnam

AFC U-16 - DPR Korea 2-1 Japan

Tashkent: Two first-half goals were enough to send DPR Korea through to the final of the 2010 AFC U-16 Championship following a 2-1 victory over Japan at Pakhtakor Stadium on Thursday.

Ri Song-ho’s side stormed ahead as Ju Jong-chol opened the scoring just minutes into the game before Pak Myong-song added a second in the 11th minute.

DPR Korea were clearly intent to shut up shop after that and it could have proved costly after Masaya Matsumoto halved the deficit midway through the second half.

However, the game petered out without any further real chances for either side meaning DPR Korea will tackle hosts Uzbekistan in Sunday’s final.

DPR Korea have been impressive performers in Tashkent and they quickly made an impression in this semi-final clash by taking a third minute lead.

Japan keeper Kosuke Nakamura flapped at a free-kick and the ball fell kindly for Ju who swept a shot between two defenders and into the back of the net.

The Samurai Blue were faced with a mountain to climb just eight minutes later when DPR Korea added a second as Ro Myong-song delivered a cross from the left that was headed on by Jang Ok-chol and Pak Myong-song poked home from six yards.

But, with the Japanese players likely deflated and the North Koreans happy to sit back, the pace of the game slowed down considerably with opportunities few and far between for either side.

With chances of victory already a tall order, Japan coach Hirofumi Yoshitake opted to throw on Reo Mochizuki and Masaya Matsumoto in the first half in a bid to reinvigorate his side.

The second half got off to a slow start but eventually Japan suddenly brought themselves back into the game with Yoshitake’s early substitution gamble paying off when the two combined just before the hour, with Mochizuki feeding a pass to Matsumoto who delivered a shot on the turn from the edge of the area and into the back of the net.

The goal brought Japan to life and they pushed forward from then on in search of an equaliser, coming close on a number of occasions through Minamino and Matsumoto.

But the threat of a thrilling finale never arrived as the game once again settled into a midfield battle and a harmless shot that flew over the bar from Kim Song-ho signalled the end of the match and with it DPR Korea’s passage to the final.

afc.com

VFF Sohna Cup - North Korea beat Singapore

North Korea beat Singapore 2-1 in first match of VFF Sohna Cup in Vietnam. Singapore was leading 1-0 after halftime . North Korea scored in 82 and 90 mi.

South Korea University NT beat Vietnam 2-0 in second match today

VFF Sohna Cup 2010 - Match schedule

2. Nov 16.45 DPR Korea - Singapore
19.00 Vietnam - Korea Rep U23

4. Nov 17.00 DPR Korea - Korea Rep U23
19.00 Vietnam - Singapore

6. Nov 17.00 Singapore - Korea Rep U23
19.00 DPR Korea - Vietnam

All matches in My Dinh Stadium

Vietnam FA

AFC U-16 - DPR Korea 4-0 Jordan

Tashkent: Striker Jo Kwang led from the front as DPR Korea sounded off an emphatic warning to the remaining 2010 AFC U-16 Championship teams as the East Asians advanced to the semi-finals with a well-deserved 4-0 win over Jordan at Pakhtakor stadium on Monday.

Jo, who was starting only his second game of the tournament, fired in a sublime hat-trick, while Ju Jong-chol also got on the score-sheet in the 71st minute to complete the impressive win for the North Koreans.

The win gives DPR Korea the prospect of reaching the title clash besides securing their ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico.

DPR Korea started the brighter of the two although Jo’s seventh-minute effort from six yards was well over the bar while his second attempt was wide of Jordan keeper Mohammad Abunabhan’s right-hand post.

After 21 minutes Tamer Sober had a chance in for the West Asians with his curling shot from just outside the box needing a finger-tip save from North Korean custodian An Kang-chol.

It was Jordan’s cue to press further, and a 27th minute corner almost gave them the lead when Omar Al Hasani struck a ricocheting ball from point-blank range only to have it cleared off the line.

However, DPR Korea drew first blood just after the half-hour, when an unmarked Jo struck a powerful left-footer from a tight angle past Abunabhan.

DPR Korea were on the offensive again after the interval, and just eight minutes into the second half Jo made a darting run into the box on a through-ball from the middle, but just when he was about to pull the trigger, Abunabhan was bravely out to smother the ball.

It was then that Jordan aimed to shore up their defence replacing midfielder Sameer Suleiman with defender Majd Ananzeh.

But that could not prevent Jo from once again beating his markers in the 55th minute to be on the end of a superb cut back from Pak Myong-song and fire home DPR Korea’s second of the night.

Jordan finally made changes to their attack after 68 minutes, replacing defender Basil Abuhelweh with midfielder Omar Dwaik, but to no avail, as just three minutes later, Ju struck DPR Korea’s third, cutting in from the right to power home from some 15 yards.

Jong Kwang-sok almost added to DPR Korea’s joy after 74 minutes but his curling free-kick from outside the area was well saved by Abunabhan.
But Jo was not denied his hat-trick, popping up unmarked in the box in the 77th minute, to comfortably slot in Jang Ok-chol’s cross.

afc.com

DPR Korea 2-0 Iran

Tashkent: DPR Korea moved top of Group B at the 2010 AFC U-16 Championship following an impressive 2-0 defeat of defending champions Iran at JAR Stadium on Tuesday.

A victory for Iran would have cemented their passage to the quarter-finals but first-half goals from Kang Nam-gwon and Jong Kwang-sok secured victory for DPR Korea, who are now level on four points with Syria but ahead of the West Asians on goal difference.

The win was tinged with disappointment, however, with defender Kim Chol-bom sent off for a reckless challenge late on.

With the match pitting together two sides expected to do well at the tournament it was unsurprising that they cancelled each other out during the early exchanges.

But DPR Korea started to get the measure of the Iranian's defence and fired a warning shot after 13 minutes when Choe Myong-song's low drive was just wide of the left upright.

They were ahead seven minutes later though when Kang raced onto a ball into the area and, surrounded by defenders, lashed a powerful shot that gave keeper Masoud Alizadeh no chance.

Armin Naserinejad cleared a shot off the line from a goalmouth scramble as the East Asians pressed for a second and such was DPR Korea's attacking strength that Iran boss Akbar Mohammadi opted to bolster his beleaguered defence with the 26th minute introduction of defender Milad Kanani for midfielder Saeid Aghaei.

But it did little to stem the tide of attacks and instead DPR Korea increased their lead just after the half hour when skipper Jang Ok-chol was fouled 20 yards from goal and Jong expertly curled a free-kick over the wall and into the net.

Jang shot over the bar less than a minute into the second half before Jong attempted to repeat his goal scoring free-kick from earlier but this time Iran keeper Alizadeh was well placed to hold onto the shot.

Iran may have been struggling to break down DPR Korea but they almost halved the deficit with a fine opportunistic strike from skipper Ali Fathian, who hit a shot with the outside of his boot in the 70th minute that bounced off the crossbar.

Ju Jong-chol headed straight at Alizadeh when well placed soon after but things took a bad turn for DPR Korea nine minutes from time when influential defender Kim was shown a straight red card for a foul on the edge of the area.

Fathian struck the resulting free-kick well enough but keeper An Kang-chol was equal to the effort, punching the ball behind for a corner.

Iran dominated the remaining minutes but DPR Korea defended in numbers to repel the attacks and protect the victory.

afc.com

AFC U-16 - Syria 1-1 DPR Korea

Tashkent: DPR Korea and Syria kicked off their AFC U-16 Championship campaign with an entertaining 1-1 draw at JAR Stadium on Sunday.

The Syrians had made the ideal start with an early strike from Omar Kharbin but it proved something of a false dawn as from then on DPR Korea dominated before equalising in the 59th minute through Ri Kwang-il.

Syria twice had the chance to snatch victory in the final few minutes but a mixture of profligacy and the woodwork ensured the game ended with honours even.

The West Asians were quick out of the blocks and took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when Abd Ebraheem floated an inch perfect corner into the box and Kharbin rose to plant a header above the reach of keeper An Kang-chol and into the back of the net.

DPR Korea had a good chance to respond 15 minutes later when skipper Kang Nam-gwon delivered a low free-kick from the right side of the area into the six-yard box but Jang Ok-chol hit an effort just wide before Syria keeper Shaher Al Shakir had to tip over a Kang header seconds later.

Al Shakir again had to be alert in the 23rd minute to palm over a rasping drive from Kang and then deny a close-range effort from Jang as it seemed just a matter of time for the equaliser to arrive, but Sryia successfully repelled the DPR Korea attacks and chances dried up as the half wore on.

Jang should have done better five minutes into the second half when he controlled the ball inside the box but lashed his shot straight at Al Shakir when a more measured effort would have perhaps been the better option.

But the goal that had been threatening to arrive finally did just before the hour when Choe Chol-ryong whipped in a cross for the unmarked Ri and the substitute stooped to send a low heading into the net.

DPR Korea continued to look the most likely to score again and Al Shakir had to be at his best to push behind a low drive from Ri in the 69th minute.

Syria, meanwhile, had struggled to match their attacking play from early in the first half but had two golden chances to snatch a late winner.

First Hussan Omr was sent through on goal in the 85th minute and although he skipped past the challenge from keeper An his weak shot gave a defender time to get back and clear the danger before substitute Walat Hamadi then ran unchallenged into the area but his powerful shot struck the upright.

afc.com

North Korea friendly match may fail

A planned friendly match between Indonesia and North Korea in Jakarta on Nov. 10 may not materialize as the visitors are reluctant to bring in their World Cup team.

Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said on Thursday North Korea would field its under-23 players although the match was sanctioned by the world soccer governing body FIFA.

“North Korea insist on sending their U-23 team, although the international friendly is part of FIFA matchday,” PSSI secretary general Nugraha Besoes was quoted by kompas.com on Thursday.

Indonesia has arranged a series of international friendly matches as part of its warm-up for the AFF Cup competition it will host in December. In the first match on Oct. 8 Indonesia crashed to a 7-1 defeat to Uruguay, but bounced back to beat Maldives 3-0 last week.

North Korea will be a substitute for Ivory Coast, which declined Indonesia’s offer.


Jakarta Post

Team for VFF Cup in Vietnam

Head of delegation: Kim Myong Chol
Head coach: Jo Chol in
Assistants: Choe Song Chol, Jon Man Ho
Doctor: An Jong Hyok

The players:
Ri Myong Guk (GK), Ri Kang (GK); Mun In Guk; Ji Yun Nam, Kim Myong Gil, Han Kyong Gwang; Kim Kyong Il, Ri Hyong Mu; Pak Chol Jin, Kang Chol Guk; Ro Hak Su, Kang Chol Ryong; Hong Kum Song, Myong Cha Hyon, Ri Jin Hyok; Ri Pyong Chol; Jong Il Ju; Al Bom Il, Ri Myong Jun; Rim Chol Min, Ri Sang Chol, Sim Hyon Jin.


Vietnam FA

Teams: Vietnam NT, Singapore NT, Korea DPR NT and South Korea U23
Venue: My Dinh Stadium, Ha Noi.

Schedule:
November 2:
Singapore v North Korea
Vietnam v South Korea U23

November 4:
North Korea v South Korea U23
Vietnam v Singapore

November 6:
Singapore v South Korea U23
Vietnam v North Korea

AFC U-19 final - Highlights

Asian Champions !

Zibo: Jong Il-gwan scored a hat-trick as DPR Korea edged a thrilling AFC U-19 Championship final against Australia 3-2 at Zibo Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday for their second title in four years.

In what was a fine advertisement for Asian youth football, Jong (pictured) grabbed his first of the night early in the first half before the balance of play swung in Australia’s favour as Kerem Bulut scored twice in four minutes.

However, the Koreans equalised just before the break through Jong and the striker – comfortably the star performer of the night – grabbed the winner shortly before full time with an instinctive strike following a mistake by Australia keeper Mark Birighitti.

DPR Korea’s impressive performance at the tournament has been built on a solid defence that had been breached just once prior to the game and they ensured Australia had their work cut out by taking the lead in the 10th minute.

Jong picked up the ball just outside the area before embarking on a mazy run through the Young Socceroos’ defence, dodging the legs of defenders before hitting a low shot beyond Birighitti.

Australia had a golden chance to level matters just eight minutes later though when DPR Korea goalkeeper Om Jin-song punched a cross straight at skipper Ben Kantarovski but his shot struck a defender.

They were not to be denied in the 25th minute, however, when a cross was whipped in from the left and striker Bulut directed a powerful header beyond the reach of Om and into the bottom right corner of the goal.

It got even better for the Australians when they took the lead just four minutes later. FC Utrecht’s Tommy Oar danced his way through the DPR Korea defence and though his shot was initially denied by Om, the ball fell kindly to Bulut who side-footed home for his seventh goal of the tournament.

The twists and turns of the first half continued though as DPR Korea equalised two minutes before the break when Jong knocked the ball beyond Daniel Bowles to give himself a free run on goal and although his powerful low drive struck a defender, the ball ballooned over a hapless Birighitti and into the back of the net.

After such an enthralling first 45 minutes it was no surprise that the second half got underway at a much slower pace and for first 15 minutes play was largely contested in midfield.

Pak Song-chol dragged a shot wide for DPR Korea after 62 minutes before Australia’s Mustafa Amini rifled a shot the wrong side of the left post soon after but those were two of very few chances as the game seemed destined for extra time.

But a howler from Birighitti gifted DPR Korea the winner two minutes from time when he fumbled a harmless-looking cross and the ball fell at the feet of Jong, who superbly lifted a shot over retreating defenders and into the net.

afc.com

DPR Korea 2-0 Korea Rep

Zibo: DPR Korea sealed their place in the final of the AFC U-19 Championship for the second time in four years as they defeated neighbours Korea Republic 2-0 at Zibo Sports Centre Stadium on Thursday.

Jong Il-kwan opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time before Ri Hyok-chol added a late second to set-up a meeting with Australia on Sunday.

The defeat for Korea Republic means the 11-time champions have now crashed out at the semi-final stage in the last three tournaments.
After a tentative start from both sides Korea Republic were the first to forge an opportunity in the 10th minute when Ji Dong-won rose higher than his marker but could only direct a weaker header straight into the hands of keeper Om Jin-song.

DPR Korea had yet to trouble No Dong-geon in the opposite goal although Mun Hyok forced Hwang Do-yeon to make a last-ditch clearance after muscling his way into the area to chase onto a long pass from midfield.

The game was slowly creaking into life as the half wore on as first Kim Kyung-jung sent a header wide for Korea Republic after 20 minutes before Jang Kuk-chol drove a low effort into the hands of No five minutes later.

Yun Il-gwan was running riot down the right wing for DPR Korea and he almost produced the opening goal 10 minutes before the break when he skipped the challenge of a defender to run into the area but drove his shot from an angle straight at No.

DPR Korea were dominating the latter stages of the half and they dealt a huge psychological blow to their rivals by taking the lead on the stroke of half time.

Yun Jong-su’s side were awarded a free-kick on the left side of the area and Ri Hyong-jin whipped the ball in towards the near post where Jong flicked a powerful header into the back of the net.

They almost added a second immediately into the second half when Jong found himself in space inside the area but No did well to gather the forward’s rasping drive at the second attempt.
But DPR Korea had to be alert at the other end of the pitch in the 55th minute when a free-kick was played to the far post where Hwang was left unmarked but his downward header was denied by Om.

Eager to protect their slender lead DPR Korea went on the defensive and consequently Korea Republic enjoyed a period of dominance, although they were finding themselves continually frustrated by a defence that had been breached only once before at the tournament.

And it was heartbreak for Korea Republic though 12 minutes from time when Hwang hit a back pass to No far too short and substitute Ri Hyok-chol was quick to pounce on his error, knocking the ball beyond the goalkeeper and then side-footing home to wrap up the victory.


Source :afc.com

North Korea’s Cha arrives to play in Switzerland

GENEVA (AP)—North Korea defender Cha Jong Hyok has arrived in Switzerland to play for second-tier club FC Wil more than three months after his signing was announced during the World Cup.

Wil says on its website that Cha joined teammates—including compatriot Kim Kuk Jin—for his first practice on Monday.

The club says the 25-year-old player’s move was delayed by structural changes at the North Korean football federation.

Cha started all three matches for North Korea in South Africa which it lost against Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.

His switch was arranged by Swiss agent Karl Messerli who said in June that Cha’s former club Amrokgang will be paid if he is sold on.

Wil lies 14th in the 16-team Swiss second division.

China 0-2 DPR Korea

Zibo: Hosts China crashed out of the AFC U-19 Championship at the quarter-final stage as second-half goals from Jong Il-gwan and Pak Song-chol saw DPR Korea claim a 2-0 win at Zibo Sports Centre.

Following an even first period, Jong broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when he burst clear and beat keeper Yan Junling with a low finish.

Pak then doubled the lead two minutes later when the forward ran at the China defence before despatching a shot into the back of the net.

The opening 25 minutes featured plenty of endeavour from both teams but was short on goalmouth action with defences on top as they were able to snuff out any danger with relative ease.

Ri Hyong-jin tried his luck from 30 yards but his shot was well wide before Jang Kuk-chol's cross picked out Jong at the back post but he headed back across goal and China cleared.

Murehemaitijiang Mozhapa's good work down the left ended with a cross that found Li Zhilang at the back post but his volley was parried by Om Jin-song in the 34th minute before Tan Tiancheng's 25-yard shot sailed straight into the arms of the Korean keeper.

Two goals in two minutes early in the second-half then turned the game on its head.

First, Jong broke into the box and managed to steer a finish past keeper Yan and into the corner of the net to give the Koreans the lead.

With the stunned hosts still trying regroup, Pak then embarked on a long run, twisting and turning before accelerating past a defender and beating Yan from the right side of the box.

Tan then headed Murehemaitijiang's cross disappointingly wide when unmarked just after the hour mark and Pak fired a fierce effort over the bar.

Zhang Xizhe's header from Wang Tong's centre was too high and Murehemaitijiang saw his volley held by Om as China desperately looked for a way back into the game.

The Korean keeper had to be brave to come out and smother at Zhu Jianrong's feet with Yun Jong-su's side defending manfully while looking to threaten on the counter.

Wu Lei fired wastefully over from 12 yards with four minutes to go as the Koreans held out under sustained pressure from the hosts and book their place in both the semi-finals and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia next year.

afc.com

North Korea ready for World Cup !

North Korea beat China 2-0 today in quarterfinals in AFC U-19 Championship. Ready for semifinals and qualified for FIFA U-20 World Cup !

VFF Cup match schedule

Teams: Vietnam NT, Singapore NT, Korea DPR NT and South Korea U23
Venue: My Dinh Stadium, Ha Noi.

Schedule:
November 2:
Singapore v North Korea
Vietnam v South Korea U23

November 4:
North Korea v South Korea U23
Vietnam v Singapore

November 6:
Singapore v South Korea U23
Vietnam v North Korea

Vietnam Football

North Korea ready for quarterfinals

Linzi: DPR Korea will play hosts China in the quarter-finals of the AFC Under-19 Championship after securing second place in Group B with a 2-0 win over Bahrain at Linzi Stadium on Thursday.

The 2006 winners defeated Iraq in their second game of the group stage on Tuesday to move level on three points with Bahrain and ensure there was all to play for.

DPR Korea were the better side throughout this encounter though and second-half goals from Ri Hyong-jin and Pak Song-chol secured the three points to see them finish their group stage campaign in second place behind Uzbekistan.

The East Asians were clearly brimming with confidence following their comfortable 3-0 victory over Iraq and it was they who threatened first when Pak Song-chol launched an effort over the bar from the edge of the area.

Yun Jong-su’s side continued to dominate possession and Jang Kuk-chol tried to get the better of two defenders midway through the half but Sultan Thani reacted quickly to poke the ball back to goalkeeper Ebrahim Khalil.

Bahrain, meanwhile, were taking a more cautious approach and rarely progressed into the final third, although goalkeeper Om Jin-song had to be alert to pluck the ball from the head of Saad Saleh on the half hour.

Saleh continued to prove the main dangerman for Bahrain and he hit a low effort into the hands of Om four minutes before the break.

Jang Kuk-chol failed to divert a cross into the back of the net with the goal at his mercy four minutes into the second half but the Koreans were ahead in the 55th minute when Ri Hyong-jin fired home from distance, giving Khalil no chance.

It was almost 2-0 three minutes later when a deep cross from the left found substitute Kim Ju-song unmarked but his volley was kneed away for a corner by Khalil.

Khalil was again in fine form for Bahrain as Ri Hyon-song picked out Kim Ju-song inside the area and the forward wrong-footed his marker but his seemingly goal-bound shot was cleared by the outstretched leg of the keeper.

Bahrain skipper Sayed Dhiya had his head in his hands in the 65th minute when he missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise, failing to connect with the ball when found unmarked inside the area by Ali Muneer.

It proved a costly miss as DPR Korea wrapped up the victory with a second 10 minutes later when Pak Song-chol controlled a lofted ball inside the area before slotting home.

AFC website

Asian Games Draw

Asian Games draw :

MEN

Group C: Korea Republic, Palestine, Jordan, DPR Korea

WOMEN

Group B: DPR Korea, Japan, Thailand

The Asian Games will officially open on November 12 but the football event will kick off on November 7 and conclude on November 25.

The women’s event will be played from November 14 to 23.



AFC website

AFC U-19 - North Korea beat Iraq

Linzi: DPR Korea gave their hopes of reaching the last eight of the AFC U-19 Championship a boost following a 3-0 victory over Iraq at Linzi Stadium on Tuesday.

Jang Kuk-chol and Jang Song-hyok scored in the first half before a late Pak Song-chol strike secured the comfortable victory for Yun Jong-su’s side whilst condemning Iraq to a second successive defeat and all but ending their own hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.

DPR Korea have three points in Group B and play Bahrain in their final group game on Thursday while Iraq are bottom of the standings without a point from two games.

Defensive frailties cost Iraq in their opening game against Bahrain on Sunday and it almost cost them again five minutes into this match as a ball over the top of the defence allowed Pak Song-chol to go clear on goal but the pacey forward lobbed his shot onto the roof of the net with just the goalkeeper to beat.

The Koreans continued to look lively and skipper Ri Hyok-chol drove a low shot through a crowded area into the side-netting after 10 minutes.

It seemed only a matter of time before they took the lead and four minutes later they did just that when Jong Il-kwan received the ball on the left and delivered a low cross to the feet of Jang Kuk-chol, who stabbed home from the middle of the area.

Despite the early setback Iraq were getting forward well but letting themselves down in the final third with Amjed Kalaf expressing his frustration on a number of occasions as his crosses into the area failed to find the green shirts of his teammates.

And instead it got worse for Iraq on the stroke of half time when Ri Hyok-chol was sent tumbling inside the area and Jang Song-hyok confidently stepped up to send the spot kick into the back of the net with goalkeeper Mohammed Hamed diving the wrong way.

Ri Hyok-chol had a shot cleared off the line by an Iraq defender two minutes into the second half but after that chance Iraq began to get into the game more and had a good opportunity on the hour when a curling free-kick from substitute Ali Zwaeed forced keeper Om Jin-song to punch clear.

DPR Korea were still looking dangerous on the break and only a fine save from Hameed in the 70th minute prevented the East Asians from adding a third after Jong Il-kwan had embarked on a mazy run through the Iraq defence before hitting a low shot that the goalkeeper did well to push behind for a corner.

But with Iraq pushing forward in search of goals in the closing stages, DPR Korea added a third in stoppage time when Pak Song-chol was sent through on goal and the forward rifled a shot into the back of the net.

afc.com

MFC ladies North Korea trip wins worldwide friends

BORO Ladies football team have returned from North Korea with “memories to last a lifetime”.

The team returned to Teesside in the early hours of yesterday following a four-day visit to the secretive the communist country.

MFC Ladies manager Marrie Wieczorek told the Gazette: “The trip was fantastic. We had an amazing time.”

Marrie, skipper Rachael Hine, 23, and team member Shannon Bewick, 17, had remained in London on their return to appear before millions television.

The 14-strong team and three coaches were invited to East Asia by the British Embassy in recognition of the strong bonds Middlesbrough has shared with North Korea since the 1966 World Cup.

The visit marked the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations opening with the UK - and cemented a friendship that has lasted over 40 years.

And despite losing two matches against local teams, Marrie said they were “touched” by hospitality they received. She said: “They were so friendly and warm it was unbelievable.”

The travel-weary team arrived last Saturday and by Sunday they took to the pitch. With just one TV channel, an incredible 23 million viewers saw Boro go down 6-2 against professional Korean women’s team, April 25. And bad luck continued when they were beaten by Galmaegi 5-0 on Tuesday.

Marrie said: “Everybody was saying you got beat but we played with professional teams so they were super-fit and fast. It would be the same as us playing against Arsenal or a top team.” Marrie said the stadium was packed with 6,000 people. She said: “We went out to warm up and waved to the crowds and they clapped and cheered. At the end of the game we ran round the outside of the field and they were leaning forward shaking our hands. It was brilliant and that’s my overriding memory - the warmth and friendship.”

Another highlight was meeting three surviving members of the 1966 Korean team, who famously beat Italy 1-0 at Ayresome Park.

Marrie said: “They were really lovely. We presented them with Boro shirts.”

During their stay the team also coached schoolchildren and visited the British Embassy to hand over a letter from MFC chairman and owner Steve Gibson to the Korean people.

British ambassador Peter Hughes told them: “These girls met more Koreans and shook more hands in five minutes than I have in two years.”

The trip attracted media interest worldwide. Marrie said she was told a picture of the team had even appeared on the front of the USA’s Washington Post.

She said of the trip: “I think the girls will remember it for the rest of their lives. They have all be very touched by it.”

Gazette Live

North Korea win 4 nations tournament in Vietnam

North Korea drew Vietnam 0-0 in last match and won 4 nations tournament in Hanoi, Vietnam

North Korea - Kuwait U23

North Korea win 1-0 aginst Kuwait Olympic in 4 nations tournament in Vietnam.

Next match against Vietnam on Friday.

Japanese style wins the day

Japan dragged themselves back from a goal down to beat defending champions Korea DPR in the second semi-final from the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on Tuesday. Winning out 2-1 and putting on a show of assorted flicks and tricks for the fans in attendance, the stylish East Asians – who scored both of their goals in the space of two second-half minutes – will now meet Korea Republic in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2010.

The first half started cautiously as the Japanese set out to match Korea DPR’s well-documented defensive approach. Rather than go all-out in attack – a style that has seen the Nadeshiko score more goals than any other team at these finals – coach Hiroshi Yoshida started ace forward Kumi Yokoyama on the bench, preferring only two in attack. A cracker from the edge of the box by Mai Kyokawa was the first real chance of the game and that effort came bounding back off Choe Kyong Im’s crossbar after 20 minutes.

The Koreans had their first half-chance of the contest a few minutes later when Kim Kum Jong miscued from 12 yards out, the ball bobbling harmlessly wide of Eri Hirao’s goal. Coach Yoshida, perhaps sensing blood in the water, brought on Yokoyama on the half-hour mark in place of midfielder Ayu Nakada. Almost at once, Haruna Kawashima volleyed over from 12 yards out as the Japanese looked more dangerous with three out-and-out attackers on the pitch. Yokoyama then had a go five minutes before the interval, but she failed to test the keeper after cutting inside and slipping past two defenders. Haruka Hamada tried her luck from distance shortly after, but the effort slipped past the post as the half ended in a scoreless stalemate.

The North Koreans came out after the break looking to get forward in attack, with captain O Hui Sun trying a shot from 25 yards that had Hirao back-peddling but flew over the bar in the end. Their coach Ri Song Gun decided to roll the dice for the first time in the competition, bringing on another striker in the form of Kim Yun Mi. The gamble paid off in the 59th minute when the substitute slammed in a low free-kick from 23 yards out. Japan’s captain and keeper fumbled the ball and Kim Kum Jong raced through to finish up.

The Japanese were unfazed by the set-back and began to throw everything into a frenzied hunt for an equaliser. Coming on in waves, they got their leveller in the 69th minute when Hikari Tagaki nodded home Hamada’s cross at the back post. The lively, stylish side then turned the game on its head, going in front just seconds later with a goal of astonishing grace and style. Yokoyama, who coach Yoshida calls the “best player in the team,” got hold of the ball and wriggled past four Korean defenders, raced into the box and fired low and hard past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

And there the score remained to the end, despite a late flurry of attack from the North Koreans. Japan, on the strength of their sophisticated attack, will now move into their first FIFA women’s final. They meet up with Korea Republic, who beat Spain earlier in the day, at Trinidad and Tobago 2010’s grand finale on 25 September at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

fifa.com

Second defeat for Middlesbrough team in North Korea

Middlesbrough Ladies football team suffered a second defeat during their ground-breaking tour of North Korea, state media said.

The squad was invited to the secretive country to reinforce a relationship formed at the 1966 World Cup when North Korea played in Middlesbrough.

On Tuesday, Kalmaegi beat the Middlesbrough side 5-0, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

They also lost their first match 6-2 against April 25.

The Middlesbrough team arrived in the capital Pyongyang on Saturday.

As well as the matches, they went to a reception hosted by the British Ambassador Peter Hughes and surviving members of the 1966 World Cup squad, KCNA said.

BBC News

North Korea beat Australia Olympic NT

North Korea beat Australia Olympic NT 1-0 in a 4 nations tournament in Vietnam.

Livescores say North Korea Olympic NT , but reports from Vietnam NT say it is the NT.

English women's team thrashed in N.Korea

SEOUL (AFP) - The Middlesbrough women's team got off to a losing start in their "friendship football tour" of North Korea on Sunday, official media in the isolated country said.

A North Korean women's team, April 25, thrashed the visitors 6-2, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, in a game marking the tenth anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between the communist North and Britain.

April 25 is the anniversary of the founding of the North's powerful military.

An unlikely bond was formed with the English town when North Korea beat two-time world champions Italy 1-0 in Middlesbrough at the 1966 World Cup, creating one of the biggest shocks in the tournament's history.

Middlesbrough women arrived in the capital Pyongyang on Saturday for the tour, which was due to end Wednesday.

Middlesbrough Ladies coach Marrie Wieczorek earlier said North Korean officials had invited the team to Pyongyang on a sporting and cultural exchange, during which they will play two local teams.

yahoo.com

Kim Shines as DPRK down Germany !

Marabella: Defending champions DPR Korea turned in disciplined performance to tame Germany 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World in Trinidad and Tobago late Thursday.

Kim Kum Jong fired a brilliant goal on the stroke of halftime to see the defending champions through to the last four. The East Asians will now play the winner of the Japan versus Republic of Ireland quarter-final in Arima on Friday

"Germany are a very powerful side and they have a lot of skill and physical strength to go with it,” DPR Korea coach Ri Song-Gu paid handsome tributes to the rivals.

“Their players are technically gifted and very strong mentally. But we were going to give it our best shot because we want to retain the title.”

The Germans dictated the early goings-on and the Asians were content to sit back and hit out on the occasional counter-attack.

After Germany had a couple of attempts on goal, Choe Jong Hwa failed to convert after hitting over from 12 yards out with German keeper Lena Nuding completely off her line.

After Melanie Leupolz has missed a golden chance for Germany, the solitary goal of the arrived when Kim Kum Jong collected the ball about 35 yards from goal and hammered a brilliant strike into the top corner.

A goal down, the Germans came out after the break firing on all cylinders and Lena Petermann missed what was perhaps the easiest chance of the game only before the DPR Korean backline firmed up and stayed solid with goalkeeper Choe Kyong Im working hard as the last line of defence.

It has been quite a comeback for the Koreans from the north of the peninsula since losing their first group match to Nigeria 3-2. They recovered smartly by keeping clean sheets against Chile and then Trinidad and Tobago.

source : afc.com

DPRK down hosts to reach last eight

Couva: Defending champions DPR Korea advanced to the last eight of the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win over tournament hosts Trinidad and Tobago.

The East Asians were fastest out of the blocks at the Ato Boldon Stadium as Kim Su-gyong flicked home Pong Son-hwa’s free-kick with just three minutes gone and with neither side able to add to the tally it was the North Koreans that rounded off the group stage with two wins and one defeat.

Following the single-goal win over the Soca Princesses and an earlier 3-0 triumph over Chile, Ri Song-gun’s side progress to the quarter-finals as Group A runners-up behind Nigeria, who defeated DPR Korea (3-2), Trinidad & Tobago (2-1) and Chile (5-0).

DPR Korea, champions of the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2008 when they defeated the USA 2-1 in extra-time, will now face tournament favourites Germany, who sealed top spot in Group B with a 3-0 defeat of AFC U-16 Women’s Champions Korea Republic.

afc.com

North Korea to bring half of World Cup 2010 team to Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge – North Korea has sent its list of players who will attend the Thang Long-Hanoi Football Cup, which includes half the footballers who played at the FIFA World Cup 2010.

U23 Kuwait and U23 Australian will also bring their best players to Vietnam.

Tickets for the event have been delivered through the Vietnam Football Development JS Company. The tickets are priced at 120,000, 100,000, 80,000, and 40,000 dong.

The tournament will be held at Hanoi’s My Dinh stadium from September 20-24.

To prepare for the event, the Vietnamese national squad is drilling at My Dinh stadium.


Thang Long-Hanoi Cup schedule:


September 20


North Korea – U23 Australia (4.45pm)

Vietnam – U23 Kuwait (7pm)


September 22


U23 Kuwait – North Korea (5pm)

U23 Australia – Vietnam (7pm)

September 24


U23 Kuwait – U23 Australia (5pm)

Vietnam – North Korea (7pm)


Vietnam.net

FIFA U-17 Women`s World Cup - North Korea beat Chile

North Korea beat Chile 3-0 in the second match for North Korea.

North Korea lost 2-3 to Nigeria in the first match .

Last match in group stage is on 12. September against host Trinidad & Tobago.

Middlesbrough ladies to visit North Korea

MIDDLESBROUGH Ladies will embark on a once-in-alifetime football trip later this month when they travel to North Korea for a twogame tour.

A group of 14 players and three coaching staff will travel to the North Korean capital Pyongyang between September 18-23.

The trip, which was the suggestion of the British Embassy in Pyongyang, will celebrate the special relationship that was forged between Middlesbrough and North Korea during the 1966 World Cup.

North Korea beat Italy at Ayresome Park in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, and the North Korean players became firm favourites on Teesside as a result.

The surviving members of the 1966 squad – including Pak Do Ik, the scorer of the winning goal against Italy – will meet the Middlesbrough Ladies team during the tour, which will feature two friendly matches and a series of coaching sessions with local children.

MFC Ladies manager Marrie Wieczorek said: “Everyone is so excited about the trip. It’s such a fantastic opportunity for all of us to visit a country that we could never have imagined getting to see.

“I know North Korea is shrouded in mystery for many people in the UK, but I get the impression that the Koreans will be wonderful hosts.

“The trip is very much about friendship and is evidence of football’s power to break down cultural barriers.

It has all come about thanks to the wonderful support the people of Middlesbrough and Teesside as a whole gave the Koreans at the 1966 World Cup.”

Northern Echo

Middlesborough FC

DPR Korea ready for title defence

Port of Spain: DPR Korea will kick off their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title defence against Nigeria here in capital of Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.

The East Asians won the inaugural championship two years back by defeating USA in the final.

Also representing Asia are Korea Republic, who are the current continental champions, and Japan.

For DPR Korea to emulate their success of the previous championship, determination holds the key.

Sin Ui-Gun, the coach of DPR Korea, said: "The one thought our players have is to win matches to send a report of victory to our country."

Sin will be banking on key players Kim Kum-Jong to deliver Pong Son-Hwa in a tough group comprising Nigeria, Chile and hosts Trinidad and Tobago.


afc.com

No India friendly ?

"He said the match against North Korea, planned to be played on September 14 in Delhi, has also been scrapped as the East Asian country did not confirm their visit to India.

"We are not going to play against North Korea. They are not coming. "

Times of India

FIFA Statement on Korea DPR

Following a request for information sent by FIFA to the Korea DPR Football Association on 11 August, FIFA can now confirm that it has received a letter from the Korea DPR Football Association as a reply to that request for information.

In the letter, the Korea DPR FA assures FIFA that Mr Kim Jong Hun, head coach of the national team, and all the other members of the national team are training as usual and that the members of the team will soon take part in the 16th Asian Games. The association also indicates that there were no sanctions to the coach and that the reports on this matter were baseless.

Furthermore, the Korea DPR FA clarified that the election of the president of the association held on 19 June was held in accordance with the statutes of the association and were not affected by any result of the team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, recalling that at the time of the election the team had only played one match against Brazil and had shown a good level of play.

With all of the information at hand, and having checked all of its sources, FIFA has decided to close the matter.

fifa.com

FIFA ends probe into North Korean football

ZURICH (AP)—FIFA has ended a probe into North Korean football after accepting an explanation from Pyongyang that the national team coach and players were not disciplined after losing all three matches at the World Cup.

FIFA says it has “checked all of its sources” and closed the matter.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter opened an investigation two weeks ago after unconfirmed reports from North Korea alleged coach Kim Jong Hun and his players were mistreated after returning home from South Africa in June.

FIFA says the North Korean football federation has written explaining the team is “training as usual” and will soon play at the Asian Games.

The federation tells FIFA the reports were “baseless” and Kim was not sanctioned.

FIFA dismiss North Korea witchhunt claims

* Public shaming did not take place - FIFA

* FIFA say North Korean FA elections lawful (adds FA elections)

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Aug 25 (Reuters) - FIFA has dismissed allegations that North Korea’s coach and players were punished for losing all three of their games at this year’s World Cup.


Asian media reported the side had been publicly shamed after returning from South Africa having conceded 12 goals in the first round. Soccer’s governing body FIFA insisted it was business as usual for North Korea and that no such witchhunt had taken place.

“The (North Korean) FA assures FIFA that Mr Kim Jong-hun, head coach of the national team, and all the other members of the national team are training as usual,” FIFA said in a statement.

“The association also indicates that there were no sanctions to the coach and that the reports on this matter were baseless.

“With all of the information at hand, and having checked all of its sources, FIFA has decided to close the matter.”

North Korea lost 2-1 to Brazil, were humiliated 7-0 by Portugal and easily beaten 3-0 by Ivory Coast at the World Cup.

Radio Free Asia and South Korean media claimed Kim and his team were forced onto a stage at the People’s Palace of Culture in front of 400 government officials, students and journalists.

Reports said the players were subjected to six hours of criticism for their performance at the World Cup, their first appearance since 1966.

ELECTION FAIR

FIFA added that an election for the president of the North Korea FA was also considered to be within its rules.

“The (North Korean) FA clarified that the election of the president of the association held on 19 June was held in accordance with the statutes of the association and were not affected by any result of the team at the World Cup,” said FIFA.

“At the time of the election the team had only played one match against Brazil and had shown a good level of play.”

yahoo.com

North Korea's Jong shines for Bochum

Jong Tae Se appears to be an instant hit as the first North Korean in professional German football.

Jong, 26, struck twice as VfL Bochum opened their second-division campaign on Monday night with a 3-2 victory over 1860 Munich. Until then, he was known in Germany for crying during his country's anthem ahead of the World Cup match against Brazil two months ago.

"Tears star Jong makes Bochum laugh again," said the Bild daily on its website on Tuesday, linking both events.

Bild spoke of "the first big Jong show" and Kicker sports magazine said Jong had "a classy performance" as he headed home in in the 38th and 46th and was also involved in Giovani Federico's 13th-minute opener.

"I am very happy because we won, and of course about my two goals as well," said Jong.

Super Sport

DPRK’s FIFA World Cup team to come to Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge - The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has decided to send its national team to Vietnam to participate in the Thang Long-Hanoi Football Cup from September 20-24.

Earlier, DPRK planed to send its U-23 team to Vietnam to compete in the event, which will be held at Hanoi’s My Dinh stadium from September 20-24 to celebrate Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary.

The squad is expected to have 10-14 of the footballers who took part in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

The other two competitors will be the U23 Kuwait and U23 Australia teams. Kuwait and Australia confirmed that they will bring their best players to Vietnam.

Vietnam.net

India friendly in September

PANAJI: The mystery that the North Korean nation is extends to their friendly international football match against India. No one can tell quite surely if the hapless coach, Kim Jong-Hun, would be part of the touring party, but several of North Korea's stars are set to take part in a friendly against India.

North Korea had agreed to play a friendly at the Ambedkar Stadium in Delhi on September 14, their first soccer assignment since the World Cup in South Africa.

"North Korea have told our agent that they will play in India, but we are still waiting for them to officially write to us," All India Football Federation general secretary, Alberto Colaco, told TOI on Sunday. "If North Korea confirm the friendly, it will be against their senior team," said Colaco, making it clear that a junior side, or a reserve team, from the DPR Korea Football Association would not be acceptable.


Times of India

N.Korean Football Coach 'Given 2nd Chance'

North Korean national football coach Kim Jong-hun is preparing for the Asian Cup next year, Open Radio for North Korea said Tuesday, quashing rumors that Kim was sent to a labor camp after a marathon public reprimand for losing all three of the country's World Cup matches.

Rumors that the coach and players were severely punished in the wake of the North's 0-7 rout by Portugal prompted FIFA to write to North Korea's football federation asking for an explanation.

But the radio station cited a North Korean source as saying Kim and the players are in intense training at the Ri Myong Su Stadium. Although the coach tendered his resignation after the World Cup, the party leadership decided to give him another chance.

The Ri Myong Su Stadium is the only stadium with natural grass in Pyongyang. A Nearby Army rifle range means it is effectively off-limits to the public.

The training is likely geared towards the Asian Cup in Qatar next January, Open Radio said. North Korea is in Group D with Iran, Iraq and the UAE, all tough opponents.

The Choson Ilbo

North Korea investigated for punishing World Cup soccer team

Reporting from Beijing and Seoul — World Cup soccer officials are investigating reports that North Korea's outmatched national soccer team faced punishment by government officials back home after losing all three of its matches in South Africa.

Sepp Blatter, president of the International Federation of Association Football, or Fifa, said this week that the organization had received tips that players and coaches "have been condemned or punished" after an embarrassing appearance in which they conceded the most goals of all 32 teams in the tournament.

World soccer officials have sent a letter to the North Korean football federation about the allegations. "The first step is the federation and we'll see what the answer will be, and then we can elaborate on that," Blatter told reporters in Singapore on Wednesday.

In June, television images showed a dejected North Korean coach Kim Jong-Hun consoling players after the team was trounced 7-0 by Portugal, the last of three demoralizing losses. Playing in the tournament for the first time since 1966, the team had previously suffered defeats to Brazil and Ivory Coast.

Radio Free Asia reported that the team -- except for Japan-born Jong Tae-se and Ahn Young-hak -- was summoned to Pyongyang for "harsh ideological criticism." The report added that the players were ordered to reprimand Coach Kim, who was then sentenced to hard labor for the team's failings.

The players also faced a public scolding by more than 400 students and sports fans, according to reports.

North Korea's state-run news service has been silent about the allegations, which the radio station said were made by unidentified sources in North Korea and a Chinese businessman described as knowledgeable about North Korea affairs.

Soccer officials also considered claims made by Chung Mong-Joon, the former Hyundai chairman and president of the South Korean Football Association. Reached in Seoul on Thursday, South Korean soccer officials said they have no information about their counterparts in the north.

Asian Football Confederation chief Mohammad bin Hammam this week told reporters that he spoke to four North Korean players last month, and that they did not mention mistreatment.

"There was an unconfirmed report that these players have gone through torture or something like that, but…I haven't seen anything with my eyes or heard anything with my ears," he said.

The team's poor showing publicly embarrassed the officials in the secretive state, who had planned to ban the broadcast of the live soccer games to avoid ridicule.

But after the close 2-1 loss to Brazil, state TV made the Portugal match its first live sports broadcast ever.

The torture of disgraced national athletes has precedent. Saddam Hussein's eldest son Uday reportedly tortured members of Iraq's national soccer team following embarrassing losses.

One analyst on North Korean said Thursday that that punishing sports players and coaches for poor performances was a low to which even Kim Jong-il would not stoop.

"I don't think the North Korean government, however a despotic state it may be, would do such a thing resulting from an outcome of a football match," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

"I'm sure there could have been precedence of such punishment, but I'm not aware of any."

Los Angeles Times

FIFA World Ranking Women - August

North Korea up 1 to number 6 in FIFA World Ranking for Women in August .

fifa.com

FIFA World Ranking Men - August

New FIFA World Ranking for men today , North Korea up 3 to number 100.

FIFA.com

Jong Tae-Se scores again for Bochum today

Great debut for Jong Tae-Se !

Jong Tae-Se scored in his debut for Bochum in a friendly against Duisburg. The match ended 1-1

Bochum website

FIFA Look Into North Korean "Public Denunciation" Reports

(WFI) FIFA are looking into reports that North Korea’s World Cup squad have received a governmental reprimand following their exit from the World Cup.

Radio Free Asia reported Thursday that coach Kim Jong-Hun and most of his squad were summoned to the People’s Palace of Culture in the capital Pyongyang for a public denunciation on 2 July.

The team's two Japanese-born players, Jong Tae-se and An Yong-hak, were exempt from the session.

This was allegedly led by Ri Dong-Kyu, a commentator for state TV, which made the 7-0 first round defeat to Portugal its first ever live sports broadcast.

Dong was reportedly joined by North Korea’s sports minister Myong Chol and around 400 government officials, students and athletes in a six-hour dressing down.

Intelligence sources were quoted saying that the theme of the session was "criticizing the betrayal of the trust of Kim Jong-un" –the Swiss-educated son of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il and heir apparent.

Kim Jong-Hun was apparently made to work on a Pyongyang building site and expelled from the Workers' Party of Korea.

The Chosun Ilbo newspaper quoted a South Korean intelligence source: "In the past, North Korean athletes and coaches who performed badly were sent to prison camps.



"Considering the high hopes North Koreans had for the World Cup, the regime could have done worse things to the team than just reprimand them for their ideological shortcomings."

There is, nevertheless, also a long record of South Korean intelligence disseminating misinformation about North Korea and a chance that the reports may be false or exaggerated.

FIFA takes a dim view of any governmental interference in football and issued stern warnings to the French Football Federation after the country’s politicians became embroiled in inquests after its farcical exit from South Africa last month.

Iraq is the latest country to face FIFA expulsion after alleged government influence in its FA.

A FIFA spokesman told INSIDER that they were aware of the North Korean reports but was unable to comment while they were still being investigated.

WorldFootballinsider

Upcoming friendlies ?

North Korea have been invited for a friendly in India in September , also possible friendly against Jordan in mid September , but nothing is confirmed yet.

Next major tournament for the Men`s NT will be Asian Cup in Qatar in January.

FIFA U-20 World Cup - Germany beat North Korea

Germany beat North Korea 2-0 in FIFA U-20 World Cup for Women.

Match report from fifa.com

U-19 friendlies

Football matches between the under-19 national teams of the DPRK and China were held at Yanggakdo Football Stadium on July 15 and 18.

The DPRK team defeated the guest team 2:1 and 6:2.

Both of the teams will participate in the 2010 AFC under-19 Soccer Championship to be held in China in October.

The DPRK, together with Iraq, Uzbekistan and Bahrain, belongs to group B. (KCNA)

NK News.org

Jong Tae-Se in Bochum

Bochum website

Swedish comeback stuns Korea DPR

Sweden came from behind to snatch a dramatic 3-2 win over Korea DPR that secures top spot in Group B and leaves the North Koreans facing a quarter-final clash with Germany.

The Swedes, meanwhile, will go on to face Colombia in the last eight after a breathless encounter in Augsburg that was ultimately settled by a Hyon Un Hui own goal. This was an open, entertaining game from the outset, with Korea DPR – who started the game on maximum points and already assured of qualification – enjoying the best of the early exchanges.

With 26 minutes played, they moved in front, Kim Myong Gum firing home after Hyon Un Hui’s speculative cross-cum-shot had caught out the Swedish goalkeeper and rebounded back off the past. The North Koreans were looking formidable at this stage and, but for the woodwork, they would have been three goals up inside the next 12 minutes, with Yun Hyon Hi and Myong Gum both striking the upright.

However, with two minutes of the half remaining, Sweden grabbed a timely lifeline, with Sofia Jakobsson rounding off a slick counter-attack by converting Antonia Goransson’s incisive through ball. Reinvigorated, the Swedes pressed forward after the break and were rewarded inside seven minutes when Goransson scored a wonder goal, embarking on a mazy run beyond four defenders before shooting home.

Goransson, already on four goals for the tournament, might have made it five soon after when she hit the crossbar, and that ill luck looked like haunting Sweden when the unmarked Jon Myong Hwa headed Korea DPR level just a few minutes later. It was anyone’s game at this stage, and with 15 minutes remaining Korea DPR suffered a fatal blow from an unlikely source.

Goalkeeper Hong Myong Hui was at least partially to blame after pushing a cross from the right back towards her own goal, and Hyon Un Hui, in attempting to clear off the line, merely succeeded in helping the ball into the net.

Fifa.com

AFC President`s expectations of the Cholima

Pyongyang: AFC President is confident that DPR Korea will turn in a head-turning performance in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011.

Meeting four stalwarts of the DPR Korea national team, which recently played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Bin Hammam said a great performance was expected from the AFC Challenge Cup 2010 winners.

Cha Jong-hyok, Ri Myong-guk, Pak Chol-jin and Kim Yong-jon heard the AFC President voice his expectations of the Chollima.

"I watched you play against Brazil and I was not the only one full of praise for your performance," said Bin Hammam. "Your individual performance was really good."

The AFC President said he was expecting the team to give its best in Doha.

"The AFC Asian Cup will be held in my city Doha this time. You have my full support, but of course after my home country Qatar," said Bin Hammam. "I am sure you will not let me down."

DPR Korea qualified for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011 after winning the AFC Challenge Cup title earlier this year in Sri Lanka.

The Chollima have been grouped with UAE, Iran and reigning champions Iraq.

afc.com

New FIFA World ranking - July

New FIFA World ranking for July was released today.

North Korea up two places to number 103. They lost one ranking point.

Good start in FIFA U-20 Women`s World Cup

North Korea beat Brazil 1-0 today in first match in FIFA U-20 Women`s World Cup in Germany.

Other teams in North Korea`s group are Sweden and New Zealand who play later today.

Bochum Set To Sign North Korea Star Jong Tae-Se

According to a report in Nikkan Sports, 2. Bundesliga outfit Bochum have reached an agreement with Kawasaki Frontale over the transfer of highly rated attacker Jong Tae-Se. Bochum will pay a reported €250,000 fee for the North Korean international.

Jong was one of the surprises of the 2010 World Cup and put in some strong performances for North Korea. He couldn't prevent the Asians from going out in the group stage, but his good displays didn't go unnoticed in Europe.

Bochum expressed an interest in signing the 26-year-old a fortnight ago and they appear to be on the verge of signing Jong now. The prolific striker is expected to sign a four-year deal in the coming days.

The forward's contract with Kawasaki is due to expire in the summer of 2011, but the Japanese outfit are ready to cash in on Jong this summer.

Both clubs have yet to respond to the news that they've reached an agreement over the transfer fee, but an official statement is expected to be released at the weekend.

Goal.com

North Korea Football team spotted in Beijing

Today a group of Korean-speaking men came out of a Korean style barbecue restaurant near the East Bridge in Beijing. Several of them were wearing the red Korea DPR football team jerseys, and one of tem was the world-famous “People’s Rooney” Jong Tae-Se who burst into tears during the match against Brazil. It turned out that the North Korea team did not return home directly after the World Cup loss in South Africa, (nor were they sent to work at the coal mines, or not yet at least) rather arrived in Beijing for a short stay due to a flight transit.

More link

North Korea squad returns home after World Cup

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)—North Korea’s football squad has returned home from South Africa after competing in its first World Cup since 1966.

International TV news agency APTN showed footage of the players arriving Tuesday at the airport in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.

North Korea lost 2-1 to Brazil, 7-0 to Portugal and 3-0 to Ivory Coast in its group matches.

Striker Jong Tae Se says “it was good to be at the World Cup” and “we as players and the people think that we should keep being enthusiastic and develop our football.”

North Korea advanced to the quarterfinals at the 1966 tournament in England.

Unlike their departure for the World Cup, there were no crowds of people at the airport waiting to see the players return.

Deconstructing Chollima : A North Korean view

The Chollima may have failed to win a match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa but the fact that they qualified for the finals in the first place was a major achievement.

This is the view of Mun Si-song, a former high-ranking official at the DPR Korea Football Association who is now Head of the DPR Korea desk at AFC.

Mun said people tend to forget DPR Korea’s marvellous effort of qualifying for the finals after a long absence of 44 years.

DPR Korea lost 2-1 to Brazil, 7-0 to Portugal and 3-0 to Ivory Coast in Group G of the World Cup this year. They scored just once and conceded 12.

In an interview with www.the-afc.com, Mun hailed the never-say-die spirit displayed by Kim Jong-hun and his charges.

Hard-working team

“The end result might look unpleasant. But please bear in mind that the team has qualified to the World Cup after 44 years,” said Mun.

“If you see how hard the team worked over the past few years, I don’t think you will ever criticise them.


Mun Si-song
“I am not saying that they deserved accolades, but considering the difficulties the DPR Korea team faced on their road to South Africa compared to others, they, at least, should not be condemned.

“I am sorry for the team, they truly deserve recognition for what they've done and have achieved in the past years.”

Mun also expressed sadness at DPR Korea being tagged "the worst team from Asia" because of their performances compared with Korea Republic, Japan and Australia.

“I am not a tactician; don't ask me about statistics or whatsoever. But what I can see with my own eyes is that DPR Korea were dedicated in every match they played.

Group of Death

“They were in the Group of Death. But all DPR Korea players fought until the end and did their very best.

“It is a dream for every footballer in my country to play in the World Cup. It is the highest honour you can ever get in your football career.

“The only thing I need to admit is the team was lacking experience and international exposure.”

In response to a suggestion that North Korean players should play abroad, he said: “I don't think it will make much difference whether the players are playing domestically or abroad because football is about the team, not individuals.

“Individual brilliance might produce a goal but doesn’t necessarily give you a win.”

Top players

Still, Mun was quick to praise midfielder An Yong-hak for his performances. The 32-year-old, like star striker Jong Tae-se, was born in Japan and plays for Omija Ardija in the J-League. Jong, meanwhile, is in the ranks of Kawasaki Frontale.

“An was the best player for the DPR Korea in South Africa with his high work rate and determined character,” said Mun.

“He is an unsung hero who will never let the national team down. Jong also did reasonably well considering he is playing as the only out and out attacker in the squad.

“Apart from the Portugal game, the team played very well in general."

Mun, who was with the DPR Korea FA from 1998 to 2002, also reserved praise for head coach Kim Jong-hun.

“He has been fantastic. He is a very dedicated and brave person. In my opinion, he is the man to take the team forward."

More : afc.com website