YouTube - EAFF Championship North Korea vs Australia

YouTube - EAFF North Korea vs Hong Kong

North Korea in King`s Cup

North Korea has been invited for King`s Cup in Thailand in late January .

Thailand , North Korea and Finland has been confirmed participating . The fourth team was going to be North Korea or Malaysia , but it seeems that North Korea has been chosen as fourth team.

Other teams that will participate will be Thailand , Sweden and Finland.

The matches are expected to be "A" matches. Sweden and Finland will be field Scandianavian based players, because the matches are not on FIFA Match days.

Swedish squad has been released by Swedish FA : LINK

Hong Kong 0-4 North Korea

By Paul Brown

Hong Kong 0-4 North Korea9 December 2012
EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final Competition
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Scorers: Pak Nam-Chol II, Ryang Yong-Gi, Pak Nam-Chol I, Pak Song-Chol I

Another comfortable win in this EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final preliminary competition saw North Korea retain the UFWC title today. Hosts Hong Kong were defeated 4-0 as the Chollima finished the competition unbeaten. However, in an unexpected twist, North Korea failed to qualify for the EAFF Finals due to an extraordinary feat of goal scoring by rivals Australia.

The Chollima were 3-0 up at half-time at the Hong Kong Stadium. Both Pak Nam Chols scored (the defender and the midfielder), and Ryang Yong-Gi scored the third. In the second half, the midfielder Pak Song-Chol made the score 4-0.

This result means North Korea have won three and drawn one of their four EAFF semi final matches, scoring a massive 16 goals. However, that goal scoring feat was surpassed by a resurgent Australia, who topped the competition’s group ahead of the Chollima. The young Socceroos side laboured in a 1-0 win over Hong Kong, then drew 1-1 with North Korea, before finally finding form to beat Guam 9-0 and Chinese Taipei 8-0. Australia scored 19 goals in their four matches and finished above North Korea at the top of the table. In doing so, the Socceroos claimed the only available qualifying place for the 2013 EAFF Finals.

Most importantly for UFWC followers, however, North Korea remain Unofficial Football World Champions. The Chollima currently have no fixtures lined up, so we must wait to see what 2013 has in store.

Over the next few days we’ll take a look back over the Chollima’s 13-month reign as UFWC champions and take a closer look at where the title could go next. Watch this space and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

UFWC

EAFF : Hong Kong 0-4 North Korea

North Korea won 4-0 against Hong Kong in last group match in EAFF Qualifiers.

Australia won 8-0 against Taiwan and qualified for EAFF finals on better goal difference than North Korea

North Korea 1-1 Australia

5 December 2012
EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final Competition
Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong
Scorers: Thompson, An Yong-Hak
North Korea retained the UFWC title with this unspectacular draw against a disappointing Australia team in Hong Kong today. The Chollima have been Unofficial Football World Champions since November 2011, when they took the UFWC title from Japan. Australia’s Socceroos have held the title once, in 1992 when they defeated then-champs the USA, but were unable to topple the Chollima.
Today’s match, part of the EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final Competition, was played at the Hong Kong Stadium, also known as the So Kon Po Stadium. The winner of this league-format semi final competition will progress to the EAFF East Asian Cup Finals alongside Japan, China and hosts South Korea. It now seems a good bet that the winner will be North Korea.
Socceroos fans had been disappointed with Monday’s narrow win over Hong Kong, courtesy of a late Brett Emerton goal. And they were wary ahead of this match against high-flying North Korea, with coach Holger Osieck selecting a defensive-looking line-up, and leaving teenage star Tom Rogic on the bench. However, it soon became clear that the Socceroos were not intending to sit back and defend.
Early pressure saw Archie Thompson get on the end of an Emerton cross, but Thompson’s header was turned away by the keeper. However, from the resulting corner, Mark Milligan’s header was blocked, and Thompson knocked home the rebound. 1-0 Australia.
The Chollima fought back, and began to put pressure on the Socceroos, but struggled to create any real clear cut chances. Korea’s frustration was demonstrated when coach Yun Jong-Su withdrew An Il-Bom after just 23 minutes, despite the young striker having scored in both previous matches for his country.
20-year-old Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan was forced into making a couple of saves, but there were no further goals in the first 45 minutes, and Australia held the advantage at half-time.
The second half saw North Korea again press Australia, but again fail to create many goal-scoring chances. Then, in the 64th minute, a fluffed clearance from the Australian defence allowed Korean midfielder An Yong-Hak to score an equaliser. 1-1, and the Chollima had their hands back on the UFWC trophy.
Osieck immediately introduced Rogic in an attempt to spark the Socceroos back into life. That seemed a big ask for the 19-year-old, although he did impress with some clever touches. As the clock ran down, Osieck introduced another 19-year-old striker, Adam Taggart, with goalscorer Thompson the man replaced. Rogic and Taggart almost combined to match-winning effect, but Taggart failed to convert Rogic’s cross.
As the game approached its conclusion, both sides were visibly tired. North Korea had played three games in six days, and Australia two in four. Oddly, rather than introduce three sets of fresh legs, Chollima coach Yun Jong-Su subbed his substitute, and then subbed his substitute again…
Despite their tired legs, though, North Korea held on, despite a couple of late Australian chances, to draw 1-1 and retain the UFWC title. Socceroos fans voiced their disappointment after the game, and it was a pretty poor performance, but recent UFWC history has shown that a draw with North Korea is not a bad result.
The next UFWC title match is on Sunday, when North Korea take on hosts Hong Kong in the last round of the semi final competition. Kick off is 2.20pm local time (GMT+8). Hong Kong have never participated in the UFWC, and North Korea should certainly be favourites. But the Chollima looked very weary today. Can they recover and retain the UFWC title? Or will Hong Kong seize the chance to become Unofficial Football World Champions?
Watch this space and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

ufwc

North Korea 5-0 Guam

North Korea 5-0 Guam
3 December 2012
EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final Competition
Mong Kok Stadium, Hong Kong
Scorers: An Il-Bom, Pak Nam-Chol, Jong Il-Gwan, Ri Myong-Jun (2)

A second successive five-goal victory for North Korea saw the Chollima comfortably retain the UFWC title. The reigning Unofficial Football World Champions dominated the match, and could have scored many more goals if not for a string of saves by Guam goalkeeper Doug Herrick. For Guam, the result could be seen as a relative improvement – North Korea beat the Pacific islanders 21-0 back in 2005.

The match, North Korea’s second in this EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final Competition, saw the Chollima again play at the Mong Kok Stadium in Kowloon, north of Hong Kong Island. North Korea had beaten Chinese Taipei here on Saturday, and there were several similarities between that game and today’s.

Against Guam, just as against Chinese Taipei, North Korea’s first goal came from 21-year-old striker An Il-Bom. His 26th minute goal was followed in the 34th minute by one from his strike partner Ri Myong-Jun. North Korea led 2-0 at half-time.

Ri Myong-Jun scored his second goal, and North Korea’s third, in the 60th minute. The 22-year-old had also scored two against Chinese Taipei on Saturday. Pak Nam-Chol made the score 4-0 with eight minutes left to play. The Chollima’s star midfielder had also scored his side’s fourth goal against Taipei.

The rout was completed in the 87th minute, when the highly-rated young striker Jong Il-Gwan, who has been linked with moves to several high-profile European clubs, netted to make the final score 5-0 to North Korea.

The match was North Korea’s 11th as Unofficial Football World Champion. The Chollima have held the UFWC title since defeating Japan in November 2011. However, their toughest test will come in two days’ time.

Excitingly, today’s result sets up a UFWC title match on Wednesday between North Korea and Australia. The Socceroos have been Unofficial Football World Champions once before, in 1992 when they defeated then-champs the USA courtesy of a Warren Spink goal. They last played a UFWC title match in January 2011, losing 1-0 to then-champions Japan.

Australia, who are participating in the EAFF tournament as invited guests, might be considered clear favourites to win Wednesday’s match, being ranked 33rd in the world by FIFA, some 48 places higher than North Korea. However, the UFWC rankings show North Korea in the ascendancy, ranked 21st, 21 places above Australia.

More importantly, the Socceroos have entered this tournament with an unfamiliar squad, with many regulars unavailable due to club commitments. Coach Holger Osieck has mostly young and inexperienced players at his disposal, but can call on some exciting talents, like hotly-tipped 19-year-old attacking midfielder Tom Rogic, plus Aaron Mooy and Adam Taggart, alongside established names like Brett Emerton.

North Korea, on the other hand, have a solid and established side that blends exciting young talent with experience and quality. Few UFWC watchers, who have followed the progress of North Korea over the past year or so, will write off their chances against the Socceroos.

The North Korea vs Australia title match will be played at the Hong Kong Stadium, and kick off is 8.30pm local time (GMT+8). It is being live-streamed free online by SBS.com.au, although may be geo-blocked for those outside of Australia.

A reminder that the winner of this league-format semi final competition will progress to the EAFF East Asian Cup Finals alongside Japan, China and hosts South Korea. The remaining matches in the semi final competition that could have UFWC significance are:

5 December 2012 20:30 North Korea v Australia (UFWC title match)
7 December 2012 17:50 Guam v Australia
9 December 2012 14:20 Hong Kong v North Korea
9 December 2012 17:00 Australia v Chinese Taipei

So if North Korea retain the UFWC title on Wednesday, the next UFWC title match will see them play hosts Hong Kong on 9 December. However, if Australia win on Thursday and become Unofficial Football World Champions, the next title match will see the Socceroos face Guam on 7 December. A title match between the Socceroos and Chinese Taipei could follow on 9 December.

Watch this space and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

ufwc

YouTube : North Korea vs Taiwan

EAFF Championship Qualifiers

EAFF Championship Qualifiers :

North Korea - Taiwan 6-1 (3-0)

Ri Myong-jun scored twice for DPR Korea and teammates An Il-bom, Pak Song-chul, Ri Kwang-hyok, and Pak Nam-chul each scored once. Chinese Taipei’s lone goal came from Chen Hao-wei in the 79th minute.

North Korea vs Chinese Taipei: EAFF Semi Final Preview

North Korea vs Chinese Taipei
1 December 2012
EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final Competition
Mong Kok Stadium, Hong Kong

The Unofficial Football World Championships resumes on Saturday as current champions North Korea take on challengers Chinese Taipei (better known outside of sporting circles as Taiwan). The match is part of the EAFF East Asian Cup Semi Final competition, a five-team league format tournament taking place over nine days in Hong Kong. The other tournament participants are hosts Hong Kong, Guam, and Australia. The five teams will play each other over 10 matches. The team that finishes at the top of the league table at the end of the tournament will qualify for the EAFF East Asian Cup Finals in South Korea in 2013.

The Semi Final competition opens with a double header of Guam vs Hong Kong followed by North Korea vs Chinese Taipei. The venue for the opening fixtures is the recently-renovated Mong Kok Stadium, the home ground of Hong Kong First Division sides Citizen and Sun Hei. It’s located in Kowloon, north of Hong Kong Island, and has a capacity of 6,664.

Unofficial Football World Champions North Korea have held the UFWC title for nine matches now, and have been champions for more than a year. They took the title from Japan in November 2011, and have subsequently remained unbeaten, winning the AFC Challenge Cup along the way. The ‘Chollima’ have scored 17 goals in their nine UFWC title matches, and have risen up to 23rd in the UFWC rankings. They’ve also risen up the FIFA rankings, entering the top 100, and currently standing at 81st in the world.

Coached by Yun Jong-Su and captained by defender Ri Kwang-Chon, North Korea has several star players who have caught the eye in previous UFWC title matches, including Ri Myung-Guk, Pak Song-Chol and two Pak Nam-Chols. The attacking midfielder Pak Nam-Chol has particularly impressed in recent games, with a formidable work-rate combined with the ability to pull strings and create goals. The Chollima will be strong favourites in their first Semi Final fixture, but are likely to face tougher tests in the days that follow.

The first challengers, Chinese Taipei, are perhaps better known as the Republic of China (ROC), or Taiwan. The name ‘Chinese Taipei’ is used in sporting circles because of a disagreement between the ROC and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Chinese Taipei have played five matches so far this year, and only won one of them (a 2-0 win over Guam). They have never previously participated in the UFWC, and have no UFWC ranking. FIFA’s world rankings have Chinese Taipei at 176, one place lower than noted world football minnows American Samoa.

The team is coached by Chiang Mu-tsai and captained by Xavier Chen, a defender who plays for KV Mechelen in Belgium. Goalkeeper Lu Kun-chi is the country’s most-capped player. Taipei’s best hope for goals looks to be attacking midfielder Chen Po-liang, who plays for Philippe Troussier’s Shenzhen Ruby in China. As noted in a previous article, the squad also includes twin brother strikers called Lo Chih-an and Lo Chih-en.

The last match between the two sides, in 2010, ended in a 2-1 victory for North Korea. Chang Han scored Taipei’s goal, and he looks likely to play in the title match. It seems unlikely that this game will be as close, with North Korea having improved considerably since 2010. But experience has shown that anything can happen in the UFWC, and there is a chance that on Saturday the Unofficial Football World Champions could be Chinese Taipei.

Whether or not Taipei manage to relieve North Korea of the UFWC title, the other Semi Final competition participants are likely to get the chance to challenge for the title in subsequent games. Guam and Hong Kong would be as unlikely champions as Chinese Taipei. They’re ranked 181 and 172 respectively in FIFA’s world rankings, and again neither have participated in the UFWC. Australia, however, are a rapidly improving team. They’re currently ranked as the 33rd best team in the world by FIFA, and they’re 42nd in the UFWC rankings, having won the title once, in 1992. They last played a UFWC title match in January 2011, losing 1-0 to then-champions Japan.

The full semi-final competition fixture list is shown below. The first four matches will be played at the Mong Kok Stadium, and the remainder at the Hong Kong Stadium. All times are GMT+8.

1 December 2012 14:30 Hong Kong v Guam
1 December 2012 17:10 North Korea v Chinese Taipei
3 December 2012 17:50 North Korea v Guam
3 December 2012 20:30 Hong Kong v Australia
5 December 2012 17:50 Chinese Taipei v Guam
5 December 2012 20:30 North Korea v Australia
7 December 2012 17:50 Guam v Australia
7 December 2012 20:30 Hong Kong v Chinese Taipei
9 December 2012 14:20 Hong Kong v North Korea
9 December 2012 17:00 Australia v Chinese Taipei

North Korea have already retained the UFWC title through one tournament this year (the AFC Challenge Cup). Can they retain it through the EAFF Semi Final competition? Will they fall at the first hurdle, and lose the title to Chinese Taipei? Or will Hong Kong, Guam or Australia emerge from the tournament as Unofficial Football World Champions? Whatever happens, there look to be a few exciting days ahead for the UFWC.

Watch this space and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Unofficial Football World Championship

EAFF Championship qualifiers in Hong Kong starts today

EAFF Championship qualifiers in Hong Kong  :

Today  : North Korea vs Taiwan


3. Dec : North Korea vs Guam

5. Dec : North Korea vs Australia

9. Dec  : North Korea vs Hong Kong


All matches at Mong Kok Stadium in Hong Kong

Determined to defend title

Ras Al Khaimah: DPR Korea coach An Ye Gun has spoke of his determination to lead the North Koreans to a second AFC U-19 Championship and defend the title they won so dramatically in China two years ago.
Then under head coach Yun Jong-su, DPR Korea won the 2010 tournament in a thrilling final at the Zibo Sports Centre where Jong II-gwan scored a memorable hat-trick, including the winner two minutes from time, in the decider against Australia as the East Asian sealed a memorable 3-2 victory.
And An is anxious to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor but he knows it will not be easy with matches against Jordan, Vietnam and Uzbekistan coming up and his side yet to fully acclimatise to the climate in the northern Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
"It's nice to play as defending champions but it will be very difficult to retain the title," An said at the pre-tournament press conference.
"The training has been excellent but there are other crucial factors like the weather condition as our players are not used to play in these types of climate.
"The journey from Pyongyang to Ras Al Khaimah has been very tiring so the players would have to adapt as soon as possible."
DPR Korea begin their title defence on Sunday against Jordan, who after booking their ticket to the AFC U-19 Championship as best runners-up in qualifying with ten points from five matches have set their sights on a top-four finish and a place in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.


afc.com

EAFF Championship Men in Hong Kong

EAFF Championship (Second round) for Men in Hong Kong :

1. Dec North Korea  vs Chinese Taipei

3. Dec North Korea vs Guam

5. Dec North Korea vs Australia

9. Dec North Korea vs Hong Kong


Winner advance to finals in South Korea in 2013

AFC U-19 Championship

North Korea`s matches in AFC U-19 Championship :

4. November vs Jordan
6. November vs Vietnam
8. November vs Uzbekistan

All matches in Ras Al Khaimah in UAE

Penalty heartbreak for DPR Korea

Baku: DPR Korea had to settle for second place at the 2012 FIFA Women's World Cup following a 7-6 penalty shootout defeat to France in Saturday's final at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium.
DPR Korea went into the match looking to claim top honours for the second time in three tournaments following their triumph in the inaugural event in 2008 as well as ensuring a hat-trick of title for Asia, with neighbours Korea Republic winning the 2010 tournament with a penalty shootout win over Japan.
However, the North Koreans found themselves a goal down 33 minutes into a first-half totally dominated by the French, with Lea Declerq slotting the ball home after latching on to a superb pass from Ghoutia Karchouni.
Having failed to muster a single shot on target in the first period DPR Korea came out strongly after the interval and got the equaliser their pressure deserved with 11 minutes remaining.
Choe Yun-gyong's long-range effort hit the woodwork but Ri Un-sim was ideally placed to convert the rebound for her tournament-topping eighth of the campaign.
The Koreans could have sealed the win in the closing stages but Choe headed narrowly wide from a corner before Ri Hyang-sim – who ultimately emerged with the Silver Ball award for the tournament's second best player behind France's Griedge Mbock Bathy – also missed from close range sending the match into a shootout, which was won by France as Ri Un-yong missed her spotkick.
It was the first time a team from Europe had won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup but still another impressive campaign for Asia, with the Fair Play award going to Japan, whose midfielder Yui Hasegawa picked up the Bronze Ball award as the competition's third best player.

source : afc.com

North Korea withdrew from VFF Cup

North Korea will not participate in VFF Cup in Vietnam as scheduled in late October.

Laos replacing them.

DPR Korea to final in FIFA U-17 Women' s World Cup

Baku: DPR Korea stormed into the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2012 after beating Germany 2-1 thanks to an opportunistic brace by Kim So-hyang at 8-km Stadium on Tuesday.
The Koreans will face off against France on Saturday for their second title after winning the inaugural edition in New Zealand 2008. Germany will clash with Ghana for the third place also on Saturday.
The Koreans started sharp as Kim’s header went just wide of the goal post in the early seconds, sending a signal of things to come. Ri Un-sim controlled possession and dictated the patterns of play with her sharp passing as the Germans struggled to get to grips of the first half.
But the Koreans’ pressure was too much to handle and Germany’s defence finally crumbled on 39 minutes as Kim got on the end of a lucky deflection and scored the simplest tap-in to give the Asians the lead.
Kim again capitalised on the confusion in the German rearguard to slot home an opportunistic goal just two minutes after the break. Germany cut the deficit in the 59^th minute when Rebecca Knaak headed home a free kick from Theresa Panfil, but that was all for the Germans.
"I am so happy today,” said Hwang Yong Bong, the DPR Korea coach. “I think our players tried their best today in this match.
“Germany has very good players on their side and they were a very strong opponent."

afc.com

Iran friendly cancelled

North Korea`s men`s NT friendly against Iran on 9. October been cancelled by Iran.

Next is VFF Cup tournament in Vietnam playing against Vietnam, Turkmenistan and Iran U22 in the end of October

Ri brace bags DPR Korea semi slot

Baku: Ri Un-sim’s late brace catapulted inaugural champions DPR Korea into the semi-finals as they beat Canada 2-1 in their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2012 outing at 8-km Stadium, Azerbaijan, on Thursday. The Koreans will meet their semi-final opponents next Tuesday, either in the form of Germany or Brazil, which will be decided in their quarter-final match on Friday. Summer Clarke and Nichelle Prince were the ones who got the Canadians to a brighter start when they got behind the Koreans’ backline, but they squandered both chances. Ri Hyang-sim also should have done better for DPR Korea, having earlier on miss-hit a cut-back from Ri Kyong-hyong and cross from Ri Kum-suk. Choe Yun-gyong and skipper captain Choe Choung-bok tried from a distance as the Koreans took control of the slow half but failed to create clear-cut chances. A cross from Ri Hyang-sim did find Choe Yun-gyong free at the far post on 27 minutes but her header sailed straight to goalkeeper Kalien Sheridan. The Asians remained in control with coach Hwang Yong-bong making two substitutions but chances were still at a premium. The second half slowly started with Summer Clarke jolting the Koreans after being put through by Nichelle Prince but the ball only rattled the bar. The Koreans hit back but Sheridan was up to the task against efforts from Ri Kyong-hyong and Choe Yun-Gyong. The elusive goal finally arrived after 78 minutes when Ri Hyang-sim displayed a superb skill to beat the Canadian full-back to cross from the right and found undefended striker Ri Un-sim at the back post. It was game over on 87 minutes, Ri Un-sim pouncing on a loose ball to slot home and bag her seventh of the tournament. Nichelle Prince took the Canadians one up on 90+1 minutes but it was too little too late to make a difference. "I’m very happy of today’s performance,” said coach Hwang. “I think we played very well, as Canada is a strong team, that nobody can’t underestimate. “The key to the match was tactical. The two changes I made in the first half paid off – I did it because I thought Canada was very dangerous on this wing." Pic: FIFA/Getty Images afc.com

AFC U16 - Saudi Arabia 1-2 DPR Korea

Tehran: A spectacular Ri Kwang-song goal eight minutes from time saw DPR Korea defeat Saudi Arabia 2-1 at the PAS Stadium on Tuesday and keep alive their hopes of retaining the AFC U-16 Championship crown.

DPR Korea took the lead through Ri Ryong's 48th minute strike only for Abdulkarim Al Qahtani to equalise for the Saudis from the penalty spot five minutes later. But with the clock ticking down and the draw looking inevitable Ri Kwang-song struck from distance to give the defending champions victory.

Both sides lost their opening Group D matches with DPR Korea going down 3-0 to Korea Republic, who booked their place in the last eight with a 3-1 defeat of Japan in the earlier match at the PAS Stadium, and Saudi Arabia losing 2-0 to the Japanese, so three points were a must for either of them to have any chance of a place in the quarter-finals.

The Saudis had the first crack on goal but Abdullah Al Megbas' sixth-minute shot was comfortably gathered by Korean keeper Kim Yu-il, who was starting in place of Ha Jin-myong, before Kim's counterpart Waleed Abu Milah had to react sharply to prevent Kim Song-min's cross reaching An Song-il after some good build up play on the left flank seven minutes later.

The East Asians dominated the opening exchanges with the Saudis mostly trying to capitalise on the pace of Abdulaziz Hazazi, who started in place of Mohammed Al Shahrani, and Al Megbas with long balls played over the top of the DPRK defence.

They almost had better luck from the set-piece in the 27th minute when a free-kick from the right was met by the leaping Sumayhan Al Nabit only for the Saudi midfielder's bullet header to be brilliantly saved by Kim Yu-il.

Keeper Kim again came to the Koreans' rescue in the 35th minute when he got down smartly to save Al Nabit's well-taken volley as the Saudis began to take a grip on the game.

Five minutes from the break, a pinpoint pass from Jon Kum-song released Ri Ryong into a scoring position but the DPR Korea forward missed the target before An Song-il's fierce drive drew a flying save from Abu Milah.

The Saudi keeper was again called into action in first-half stoppage-time, with another superb save to keep out Kim Ju-hyok's free-kick.

Just as they did at the end of the first-half DPR Korea dominated the start of the second and took the lead just three minutes after the restart when Ri Ryong dispatched the ball past Abu Milah after being teed-up inside the box by Kim Song-min's intelligent pass.

But the lead lasted just five minutes, with Abdulkarim Al Qahtani equalising from the penalty spot after Hassan Ghazwani had been bundled over in the box while charging towards goal.

As the second-half wore on, the draw was looking the most likely outcome until a moment of individual brilliance put DPR Korea in the driving seat, with a spectacular long-range effort from skipper Ri Kwang-song eight minutes from time settling the contest.

DPR Korea's hopes of retaining the AFC U-16 Championship title the East Asian nation won by beating hosts Uzbekistan in 2010 now rest on taking all three points against Japan at the PAS Stadium on Thursday and while the Saudis have only pride to play for when they take on Korea Republic in the other Group D match kicking off simultaneously over at the Rah Ahan Stadium.

source : the-afc.com

11-goal Korea DPR crush Gambia

© Getty Images

Korea DPR laid down a gauntlet on the opening day of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup by thrashing Gambia 11-0 in their Group B encounter in Baku.
The North Koreans, winners of this tournament four years ago, were far too strong for their African opponents, who are appearing at a major FIFA competition for the very first time.
Ri Un Sim and Ri Kyong Hyang both bagged trebles as one of the genuine contenders for the title sent a message to section rivals France and USA against admittedly shell-shocked opponents.
From the first whistle the Asian side were dominant and although it took them almost 20 minutes to register, three goals in as many minutes put the result beyond doubt.
Choe Yun Gyong capitalised on a rebound to break the deadlock on 18 minutes, and further goals from Ri Un Sim and Ri Kyong Hyang followed a minute apart as Gambia struggled to regain their composure.
Ri Un Sim completed a hat-trick before half-time, first converting a spot-kick and then a smart finish from the edge of the area, before Kim Phyong Hwa made it half-a-dozen in the opening period for Korea DPR.
Korea DPR took their foot off the gas to a degree in the second half but wasteful passing from Gambia, allied to some clinical counter-attacking play, saw them extend their advantage by another five goals.
Ri Kyong Hyang secured a treble of her own after scoring in the 63rd and 77th minutes, sandwiching an effort by Kim So Hyang. Ri Hyang Sim rounded off the result with two late individual efforts as Korea DPR proved their credentials immediately.
They will now face France on Tuesday while Gambia will attempt to resurrect their campaign against USA on the same day, with both games taking place in Baku.
The quote
"I am obviously very happy with the result and the score, but we have two more games ahead of us and we have to give our best in each of them. The first match was very important to give more experience to the girls and this is a process that will continue in the next couple of games. Gambia is not a weak side at all and some of their players did quite well today, but the first match is always tense", Hwang Yong Bong, Korea DPR coach

FIFA.com

YouTube - Indonesia 0-2 North Korea

North Korea win 2-0 against Indonesia

North Korea won 2-0 against Indonesia in a friendly today in Jakarta


HT result was 0-0

Indonesia friendly for North Korea

North Korea Men`s NT will play  a friendly against Indonesia in Jakarta on 10. September

Extra-time herartbreak for DPR Korea

Saitama: DPR Korea were knocked out of the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup after Chioma Ubogagu scored in extra-time to give the USA a 2-1 victory over the East Asians.
The USA, who defeated the North Koreans 2-1 in the 2008 final in Chile, broke the deadlock seven minutes into the second-half at the Komaba Stadium through a spectacular long-range drive from Vanessa Di Bernardo.
But with quarter-of-an-hour left to play Kim Un-hwa's short pass unlocked the American defence to allow Kim Su-gyong to level for DPR Korea, champions in 2006 after a 5-0 hammering of China in Russia.
With neither side able to add to their tally the match went into extra-time and the decisive moment came eight minutes into the first period when Ubogagu – a 71st minute substitute for Maya Hayes – headed home Crystal Dunn's cross to send the two-time champions through to the semi-finals where they will meet Nigeria.

the-afc.com

Korea DPR set up USA showdown

DPR Korea maintained their 100 per cent record to finish top of Group C following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Canada, who exit the competition.
The Koreans had to survive a scare in Saitama when Christine Exeter outmuscled Pong Son Hwa, turned and fired the Canucks ahead in the 12th minute.
Kim Un Hwa scored her seventh goal in three matches in Japan to restore parity 12 minutes before the break. After being supplied by Jong Myong Mwa, Kim beat two opponents and fired a shot across the box from 18 yards into the far corner.
The second half mirrored the first in terms of possession and territorial advantage. Korea DPR saw more of the ball and controlled the midfield, with right winger Kim Un Hyang looking particularly dangerous.
Korea DPR took the lead 12 minutes from time when Yun Hyon Hi was felled in the box. She stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and made no mistake.
The Canadians slumped to the turf at the end, left to rue their defeat by Norway which ultimately caused their group stage exit. However, the country’s crop of U-20 players will have the opportunity to go one step further on home soil in two year’s time.
Korea DPR’s reward for topping the group is to stay in Saitama for a quarter-final clash against USA on Friday.
“Playing in this World Cup was crucial for the development of the young players,” said Canada coach Andrew Olivieri. “The senior team has a lot of players who will retire before the 2015 World Cup and everybody is expecting that a lot of players from this U-20 team will play at that World Cup.”

fifa.comhttp://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup/news/newsid=1687988/index.html

Kim Un Hwa counts her blessings

Oh really? I'm not the first?" There was almost a hint of disappointment in Kim Un Hwa's voice when FIFA.com told her that, despite having just put on a phenomenal performance against Argentina, she must be content with sharing a page in the record books of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. The reaction of the rookie Korea DPR striker was understandable, given that she had just banged in five goals during her side's 9-0 demolition of the South American side.

Nevertheless, the Asian dangerwoman is in illustrious company. She shares the tournament record for the most goals scored in a single match with legendary Canadian striker Christine Sinclair, whose five strikes against England in 2002 are in addition to the 143 she has bagged at international level.

But while Kim Un Hwa must be delighted to be mentioned in the same sentence as one of the greats of the women's game, she is clearly not satisfied with sharing the spotlight and, since the start of Japan 2012, has set about making her own mark on the tournament. The North Korean stepped off the bench to open her account against Norway and has now justified a starting berth in the next game with a five-star performance against La Albiceleste. "I never imagined I could achieve something like that," she savours, with a smile as wide as the winning margin displayed on the scoreboard. "All I was thinking about was making the right choice whenever I had the ball at my feet."

Learning curve
The youngster has done well to find her feet so quickly after making her debut on the world stage. For unlike many of her team-mates who already have several international tournaments under their belts, Kim Un Hwa is a newcomer to the Chollima camp. "This is my first World Cup so at first I was a little worried," admits the Wolmido forward. "I wondered whether the top level was going to be too hard for me. But when I got on the pitch, I said to myself, 'It's not so difficult after all, I can do it'. I was no longer stressed at all."
This liberated feeling no doubt comes from rubbing shoulders with experienced team-mates such as Jon Myong Hwa, Yun Hyon Hi and Kim Un Hyang, who have already shone in previous FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women's World Cups, the Women's Olympic Football Tournament and even the FIFA Women's World Cup™. "What I've learned from them isn't really about technique, but rather about how to behave when testing yourself at the highest level," said the North Korean, who will celebrate her 20th birthday on 30 September. "The concentration before matches, the work rate during the match, and knowing how to stay focused and to ask questions of yourself after matches, even when you win. All of these lessons are very useful."
Eager to please
While Kim Un Hwa will undoubtedly take a lot away from the tournament in terms of experience and accolades, she is already giving plenty back too. By putting smiles on faces, for one thing. "Knowing that in some way I'm helping to bring happiness to people, it's a great reward," she says when asked to describe what it feels like to be a serial goal-getter. "Every time I scored, I thought about the people in our country who are watching the game on television and who must be proud of us. We could hear our fans singing and shouting throughout the game. We're happy to please them. There were only a few hundred of them in the stands, but they represent the millions of others who are rooting for us back home."
Provided Kim can stay on the goal trail, she is sure to continue making people happy. And what of her team-mates Kim Su Gyong and Yun Hyon Hi, who despite having found the net four and three times respectively, find themselves overshadowed by their compatriot in the scorers' standings? "There's no competition between us!" Kim interrupts, bursting into laughter. "I'm happy whenever I score, but if it's better to pass the ball when I'm in front of goal, then I won't hesitate for a second. My objective is victory, not goals." Even so, a few more strikes from Kim Un Hwa are sure to take her and the Chollima a long way.

fifa.com

FIFA U-20 Women`s World Cup - North Korea 4-2 Norway

FIFA U-20 Women`S World Cup in Japan


Today : Norway vs North Korea

North Korea won 4-2.

Thai Port FC sign North Korean striker

Thai Port FC have officially signed North Korean striker Ri Myung Jun


Thai Port FC website

France beats NKorea 5-0 in women's Olympic soccer

By FRANK GRIFFITHS (Associated Press)

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -- France scored four goals in the last 20 minutes and beat North Korea 5-0 Saturday in the group stage of the women's Olympic soccer tournament.

Defender Laura Georges gave France the lead with a powerful header just before halftime, and her teammates did the rest near the end.
Substitute Elodie Thomis added the second in the 70th minute, then set up Marie-Laure Delie for the third a minute later. Wendie Renard netted a header from a corner in the 81st, and Camille Catala completed the rout with another header in the 87th after Thomis sent in a cross from the right.
"At the beginning of the match, the players were nervous," France coach Bruno Bini said. "In the second half, we played high quality football."
The win puts France in second place in Group G ahead of North Korea on goal difference with three points.
"We have the three points and we're second in the group," Bini said. "Now, we're just focusing on getting to the quarterfinals."
North Korea faces the United States in the last group match, and France will take on Colombia.
North Korea coach Sin Ui Gun said that the late kickoff in his team's previous match because of a flag dispute may have affected his team's preparations. London Olympic organizers displayed a South Korean flag alongside North Korea's players on stadium screens at Hampden Park for the match against Colombia.
"Because of the delay, we had to finish the game late ... so maybe it affected our players' ability today," Sin said. "We still have one more match to go. Today's match is a good lesson and will motivate our team."

2012 Olympics - North Korea 2-0 Colombia FT

North Korea women`s NT  won 2-0 at HT against Colombia in first match in 2012 Olympics in London

Kim Song Hui scored in 34. min and 86 min

Flag blunder at Hampden

LOCOG apologises for showing South Korean flag

 national flag blunder at Hampden Park caused North Korea to stage a protest at Wednesday's Olympic women's football match against Colombia.

The South Korean flag was shown by mistake on the big screen inside the stadium as the players warmed up on the pitch prior to the match.
As a consequence, North Korea refused to play the match at the scheduled 7.45pm start time.
Their players walked off the pitch but were persuaded to return when the teams were announced again with each player's face displayed next to the North Korean flag.
A statement from Games organisers LOCOG said: "Today ahead of the women's football match at Hampden Park, the South Korean flag was shown on a big screen video package instead of the North Korean flag.

Mistake

"Clearly this is a mistake, we will apologise to the team and the national Olympic committee and steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again."
The mistake occurred when a video package was being shown ahead of kick-off, with the North Koreans noticing their faces were being pictured alongside the South Korean flag.
The match eventually began at 8.50pm after the team were placated.

skysports

Wales fall to North Korea

The Wales women's side lost 4-2 to a strong Korea DPR side at Stebonheath Park on Thursday evening.
The match was a unique opportunity to play a team from the other side of the world and as such was a great experience for Jarmo Matikainen's squad as they prepare for the new season. That will include a crucial Euro Women's game wit5h Scotland on Saturday 15th September at Parc y
Scarlets in Llanelli.
Wales started brightly and took the lead on 12 minutes when a goalmouth mix-up in the Korea area gave captain Jess Fishlock the chance to fire-hoe from close range. It stunned the visitors who had made a steady start to the first ten minutes of the game.
The lead was held for just ten minutes however, as Korea launched a high ball into the Wales area and Wales keeper Nicola Davies failed to take the ball and Choe Young Sim got there first to head home at the far post.
Four minutes later it was 2-1 when Kim Un Hyang scored from another high ball into the box from a free kick. Davies was second best once more and the visitors had the advantage.
Both sides looked to play some attractive football on a good, flat surface, but it was clear that the Koreans were getting stronger as the game went-on and justifying their position as one of the World's strongest women's teams.
Half time came with the score at 2-1 and an opportunity for Jarmo Matikainen to give the Wales team some words of encouragement.
Korea made three substitutions at half time and continued where they left off in the first half by having much of the possession. On 55 minutes they made it 3-1 after a defensive mix-up allowed substitute Ri Ye Gyong to poke the ball home.
To their credit, the Welsh heads did not drop and striker Hannah Keryakoplis was introduced after 62 minutes to replace Hayley Ladd.
Wales found a way back into the game on 70 minutes when captain Jess Fishlock took a free kick from some 30 yards out that went straight over everyone's head and into the goal. It gave the side fresh hope and two more subs entered the game for Wales with Amie Lea (79m) and Jodie Botteril (85m for her first cap). Korea also kept the subs coming thick and fast with another four changes.
The game was settled in the 86th minute when substitute Kim Myong Gum scored at the far post to make it 4-2.
At the whistle, Wales could be pleased with a very committed performance against a class-outfit. A great work-out at a very early stage of the new season. There are two more friendlies in Belgium to come in August before the game with Scotland.

Wales FA

Second win against Romania

North Korea Women`s NT won 5- 1 against Romania in  a friendly today in Mogosoaia in Romania.

They won 4-2 on Tuesday at same place in Romania

Many friendlies for Women`s NT

Many European friendlies for North Korea Women`s NT.

They won 3-1 on 29. May against Slovakia in Senec.

Next  friendly is 2. June in Belgium , then 5. June against Netherlands . 9. June they play Belgium again, and last is two friendlies in Romania on 12. and 14. June.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Men`s NT dont have any scheduled friendly before 9. October against Iran

North Korea win against Slovakia

North Korea Women`s NT won 3-1 in a friendly against Slovakia today in Senec , Slovakia

Goals : 48 Ondrušová - 80 (11 m) and 90 Yun Hyon Hi, 41 Kim Un Ju R : Kováčová - Lešková, Mišková (all SR)

Slovakia : Gazdíková - Mittúchová, Mravíková, Matysová, Vojteková, Bíróová, Ondrušová, Fecková, Škorvánková, Bartovičová, Hmírová
North Korea : The Chang Ran - Yun Mi Song, RO Chol Ok, Kim Nam Hui, Pong Son Hwa, Jon Myong Hwa, O Hui Sun, Kim Un Hyang Kim Un Ju, Yun Hyon Hi, Kim Un Hwa

YouTube - North Korea football championship (2012 year). Amrokgang vs Pyongyang FC - 2:1

Iran book North Korea friendly

PFDC - TEHRAN, Team Melli will host North Korea in a friendly match in Tehran's Azadi stadium on Tuesday October 9, Iranian news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday.

The match will serve as preperation for Iran's World Cup qualifier against South Korea in Tehran exactly a week later.

The game is scheduled slightly ahead of the FIFA matchday on October 12, which is actually reserved for friendly matches ahead of the Asian qualifiers that month. The availability of all Iranian leagionnaires for the friendly is therefore in doubt.

North Korea eliminated Iran from the last World Cup qualifiers, however, the two teams last met in the 2011 Asian Cup group stage with Iran downing the North Koreans 1-0 thanks to a Karim Ansarifard goal.


persianfootball

U.S. women's team draws France, Colombia and Korea DPR in 2012 Olympics

The U.S. women's team will face France, Colombia and Korea DPR in Group G at the 2012 London Olympics taking place from July 25-Aug. 9 at six venues throughout Great Britain.

The Olympic Final Draw took place on Tuesday morning in the Bobby Moore Room at Wembley Stadium in London.

The U.S. will open Group G play on July 25 - two days before the Olympic Opening Ceremonies - against France at the famed Hampden Park, Scotland's National Stadium in Glasgow. The Americans will then face Colombia at Hampden Park on July 28 and finish group play against Korea DPR on July 31 at Old Trafford in Manchester,

The USA's draw pits the Americans against three teams it faced at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and two teams it faced in group play in Colombia and Korea DPR. In Germany, the USA played Korea DPR first and now will face the Asian power in the group finale. Like in the Women's World Cup, the USA will play Colombia second.

France is currently sixth in FIFA Women's World Rankings, Korea DPR is eighth and Colombia is 28th.

"It's always exciting to know who we will be playing," said U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage. "We will start with an excellent opponent that we faced in the World Cup and that is a good thing. Once again, we will be facing teams with different playing styles and that is a challenge our team enjoys."

The Olympic Women's Football Tournament features 12 teams, with the top two finishers in each group advancing to the quarterfinals along with the two best third-place teams.

Drawn into Group E with the host nation Great Britain were New Zealand, Cameroon and Brazil. Group F will consist of Japan, Canada, Sweden and South Africa.

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MUANG THONG SIGN DPR KOREA WORLD CUPPER KWANG CHON

BANGKOK (23 March 2012) – Former champions SCG Muang Thong United have signed DPR Korea defender Ri Kwang-Chon in a bid to inject more confidence in the backline. Muang Thong are currently placed fourth in the new season of the Thai Premier League 2012 which kicked off just last week.


“I have been to Thailand three times, to play football and also to go on vacation, and the reason I have signed for Muang Thong is because they are a successful team,” said the 26-year-old World Cupper.


“I have plenty of fighting spirit and if I get the opportunity to make the starting line-up I will play with all my heart and try and produce my best. Muang Thong have a good chance of winning the TPL and they can also become Asian champions in the future.”


Added Ronnarit Suewaja, Muang Thong United director: “this player is highly experienced, he is the captain of North Korea and he is very professional.


“Many teams in China wanted to sign him but he wanted to play in Thailand. He has started training already and will be available for the match with Thai Port this Sunday at the SCG stadium.”

aseanfootball

North Korea qualify for 2015 Asian Cup

North Korea qualified for 2015 Asian Cup by beating Turkmenistan 2-1 in the final of 2012 AFC Challenge Cup.

Young Koreans gunning for glory

Kathmandu: DPR Korea coach Yun Jong-su will pin his 2012 AFC Challenge Cup title hopes on a youthful side that could form the foundations of the Chollima's 2015 AFC Asian Cup squad should they defeat Turkmenistan in Monday's final.

Although he responded that his side would only be revealed at the Dashrath Stadium when a thrilling tournament reaches its conclusion, it is unlikely that the man who led DPR Korea to glory at the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship will deviate too much from the team the easily defeated Palestine 2-0 in Friday's semi-final.

That starting 11 featured no less than eight players aged 25 or under, including a dynamic front line of Jong Il-gwan and Pak Kwang-ryong, both of who are just 19 years old.

Pak, who took part in the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup as a precocious 17-year-old, scored both goals in the victory over Palestine in his first match of the tournament having arrived late from Switzerland where he plays for FC Basel.

"We want to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup and we have brought a lot of young players to this squad to give them an opportunity for Australia," a relaxed Yun at the pre-final press conference.

While the North Koreans have a young team in Kathmandu, much has been made of their qualification to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa giving them the edge over the other AFC Challenge Cup participants in terms of top-level international exposure and experience,

Not the case says Yun, who was at the helm of the DPR Korea national team for the unsuccessful bid to reach the 2006 World Cup.

"We have only a few players that took part in the 2010 World Cup so I don't think the fact that we took part gives us any type of psychologically advantage.

"Turkmenistan is a good side and we have analysed their games and have prepared our tactics for the final accordingly.

We have prepared our team with only victory in this match in mind but as for our strategy you will have to watch tomorrow."


source : afc.com

AFC Challenge Cup : North Korea in final

North Korea beat Palestine 2-0 in semifinal in AFC Challenge Cup in Npeal.

Live commentary Goalnepal


North Korea face Turkmenistan in final, Palestine face Philippines in third place match

Mahmoud : No fear of defending champions

Kathmandu: A meeting with defending champions DPR Korea holds no fear for confident Palestine coach Jamal Mahmoud as the first-time semi-finalists look to end the East Asians' perfect record on Friday.

DPR Korea are the overwhelming favourites for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup title and they have advanced through the tournament with ruthless efficiency, scoring eight times and conceding none to comfortably book their place in the final four.

But these statistics mean little for Mahmoud (pictured), who has set his sights on nothing less than a victory for the history-making Palestinians.

"We must show great respect to DPR Korea as they have played at the last World Cup," said the Jordanian, who will be without suspended midfielder Husam Wadi.

"We know how they play and we know it will be a tough match but we are here to win this championship.

"We have watched their games and we have our strategy and we are confident that we will win."

DPR Korea head coach Yun Jong-su has also been doing his homework and in keeping with the ruthless efficiency that has seen the Chollima easily defeat the Philippines (2-0), Tajikistan (2-0) and India (4-0), he succinctly summed up his thoughts on Friday's semi-final at the pre-match press conference.

"We have seen the matches of Palestine and have analysed their tactics and will implement our strategy accordingly."


afc.com

AFC Challenge Cup - DPR Korea 2-0 Tajikistan

Kathmandu: DPR Korea confirmed their place in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup semi-finals by defeating Tajikistan 2-0 on Sunday with a performance that justified the defending champions' status as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

A goal in each half from Pak Nam-chol and Jang Kuk-chol gave Yun Jong Su's side their second 2-0 victory of the campaign following their opening win over the Philippines.

Tajikistan overcame a sluggish first-half to defeat India 2-0 in their opening match and gain a modicum of payback for their defeat in the 2008 final in their opening match and again the Tajiks were also slow out of the blocks at the start of an entertaining first-half.

Cheered on by a small, but impressively noisy, band of supporters the North Koreans took a sixth minute lead when Pak Nam-chol was given too much time and space by the Tajikistan defence, allowing the midfielder to fire low past keeper Alisher Tuychiev.

DPR Korea dominated the opening exchanges and saw Pak Song-chol's powerful volley blocked on its way to the goal three minutes later before goal-scorer Pak flashed an effort wide after a neat flick from Jang Myong-il on the quarter-of-an-hour mark.

A minute later it was the Tajiks turn to threaten when a Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev strike hit the underside of the crossbar before the ball was eventually hacked away following a goalmouth scramble.

With 30 minutes gone Alexey Negmatov's foul on Jon Kwang-ik gave the Koreans a free-kick on the left which was curled invitingly to the back post where Pak Song-chol's header drew a point-blank save from Tuychiev.

DPR Korea could have gone into the interval with a two-goal cushion but Pak Song-chol's was off target with an acrobatic effort after connecting with Pak Nam-chol's miscued attempt to chip the keeper three minutes before the break.

Eight minutes after the restart an unmarked Jong Il-gwan should have extended DPR Korea's lead but misplaced his downward header before the forward's drive from a tight angle was blocked by Tuychiev a minute later.

Substitute Jang Kuk-chol had the ball in the net in the 67th minute but Kuwait referee Yousef Al Marzouq ruled out the effort for what appeared to be a foul on the Tajik keeper.

After displaying some nimble footwork Jong Il-gwan had another effort at goal but his low effort in the 73rd minute flashed wide of the right upright before the North Korean got the second their performance deserved when Jang Kuk-chol overcame a poor first touch to create space and beat Tuychiev from inside the penalty are with four minutes left on the clock.


afc.com

DPR Korea 2-0 Philippines

Kathmandu: Defending Champions DPR Korea made a solid start to their 2012 AFC Challenge Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 defeat of the Philippines in Friday's Group B opener at the Halchowk Stadium.

DPR Korea dominated the first-half but were denied a 16th minute lead when Azkal's keeper Neil Etheridge saved a retaken Pak Song-chol penalty.

The midfielder had thought he had netted his ninth AFC Challenge Cup goal to equal the tournament record set by Palestine's Fahed Attal but Indian referee Pratap Singh ruled out the goal citing encroachment inside the box.

Etheridge, who only arrived in Nepal on Wednesday, was in inspired form denying the 2012 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on ne fewer than five occasions as the Philippines went into the break on level terms with the AFC Challenge Cup favourites.

The North Koreans finally broke through the resilient Philippines defence courtesy of Pak Nam-chol's 58th minute header before Etheridge - an understudy to Australia international Mark Schwarzer at English Premier League club Fulham - failed to deal with a high cross from the right, allowing substitute Jang Kuk-chol to double the defending champions' lead 11 minutes later.

DPR Korea sought to add to their tally and laid siege on the Philippines goal but a combination of some staunch defending and fine keeping from Etheridge kept the scoreline respectable.

source : the-afc.com



Match summary : link

AFC Challenge Cup update

The defending champions, meanwhile, have been gearing up nicely the defence of their crown and having experienced direct entry into the 2011 AFC Asian Cup courtesy of their penalty shootout win over Turkmenistan in the final of the last AFC Challenge Cup, the experienced East Asians are determined to book their ticket to Australia 2015 via a similar passage.

"We have prepared well for this tournament and it is very important for us to get a berth in the next Asian Cup," said head coach Yun Jong-su, whose squad includes six players who were in the DPR Korea team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.

"We had a training camp in Vietnam which went very well and we had a tough friendly with the Kuwait national team.

"We have a good team with confident players but we are in a tough group. Every team is trying to win the trophy so it's going to be a very hard tournament."


afc.com


First match against Philippines on Friday.

FIFA World Cup qualifier , North Korea drew Tajikistan

North Korea drew Tajikistan 1-1 in the final World Cup qualifier in Tajikistan.

Song Hyok scored on penalty kick in 53. min , Tajikistan equalized in 61. min

Kuwait 1-1 North Korea in China

North Korea played a friendly against Kuwait in Changsha today

North Korea scored 1-0 in 18 min and Kuwait was down to 10 men after red card in 19min . Kuwait equalized in 85 min , 1-1 FT

North Korea Women`s national team win against Mexico

North Korea Women`s NT won 1-0 against Mexico today. They play in a 4 nations tournament in Chongqing. They won also 1-0 against South Korea on Wednesday.

Last match is against China on Sunday.

Cologne signs North Korea striker Jong Tae Se

COLOGNE, Germany (AP)—Cologne says its has signed North Korea striker Jong Tae Se from second-division side Bochum.

The Bundesliga club did not disclose how much it paid for the 27-year-old forward or the length of the contract.

Jong, who is called Chong Tese in Germany, will step in for the injured Lukas Podolski who was ruled out for at least three weeks with a foot injury.

Podolski partially tore a tendon in his left foot during Saturday’s 4-1 league defeat at home to Schalke.

Sporting director Volker Finke says Jong fits Cologne’s requirements “exactly.”

Jong scored 14 goals and set up five more for Bochum since arriving from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale in 2010. He played for North Korea at the 2010 World Cup.

Kuwait friendly for North Korea

A rare friendly for North Korea on 17. February against Kuwait in Changsha , China.

Kuwait is on  a training camp in China and will also play China NT in Changsa.

North Korea`s friendly will be a warm-up before World Cup qualifiers against Tajikistan on 29. February and AFC Challenge Cup in March in Nepal , against Philippines, Tajikistan and India.

Jong Tae-Se looks back on a frustrating but revealing 2011

SPECIAL
By Jong Tae-Se
Translation by Dan Orlowitz

When I look back, 2011 was an incredibly difficult year. It began with the Asian Cup, and then we were eliminated from World Cup qualifying in the third round. I suffered a bad injury to my neck, and needed to have my ankle scoped. Then for a long time there was the emotional strain of a long scoreless run.

I’ve never gone without a goal for as long as this, so it was very tough. In particular, getting eliminated in World Cup qualifying had a huge impact on me; it was like all the light disappeared from my life. Even though we won against Japan [in Pyongyang], it didn’t matter much in the end.


To be completely honest, I wanted to advance to the final round of qualifying along with Japan. National team matches have a huge effect on me. They also teach me things about myself. Matches like the World Cup finals push you to your emotional limit when you play, reveal your strong and weak points ... it’s just like the Hyperbolic Time Chamber in [popular Japanese animation] DragonBall. I don’t know whether or not I’ll be called up again, but as a player I want to play for the national team as long as possible.

There were also good things this year. After we changed managers and my knee healed I had more chances to play, I had my first hat-trick in Germany, and I was able to play against Bayern Munich. In the charity match that Park Ji-Sung held in Vietnam I was able to play with several legendary Japanese players, members of the South Korean national team, and even Jaejoong of [famous South Korean pop group] TXVQ. I strongly realised that I want to play on a stage as big as them someday.

But reality isn’t as optimistic, and overall it was a year full of trials and tribulations. In the first half of 2011 I didn’t want to take responsibility for my form, and sometimes I complained or blamed my troubles on my team-mates or my manager. But I realised that I couldn’t keep thinking like that, and that I couldn’t just run away when I wanted to give up. In the last half or the year I met my troubles head-on.

Although I scored a hat-trick, I didn’t accomplish too much after that. Despite that, thanks to my manager I was able to appear in most of our matches, and after taking time during the holiday break I’m feeling recharged.

As a player there’s nothing better than playing in a match. During the break I’ve had lots of delicious food and drinks, slept a lot, talked with friends, laughed hard while watching TV ... and after spending time like this, I’m extremely grateful that I even had an opportunity to suffer all of those hardships this year.

North Korea can’t appear in the 2014 World Cup, so from now on I’ll focus on my club team for a few years, and work hard to raise my value on the pitch. I’ve been with Bochum for a year and a half, so when I go back to Germany it feels like I’m coming home. The environment, from my team-mates to the city, is a great place to live and play in. It upsets me when I come back to Japan and everyone speaks ill of Bochum. It’s my responsibility for not helping my team to win, but it’s upsetting to hear people blame my friends and team-mates.

To help Bochum earn promotion this season, I want to play harder and push myself further. Fans in Japan haven’t gotten much good news lately, but this year I want to help bring them some sunshine. I feel as energised as I was in college, and I feel like I’m still walking on the road to glory.

This is the latest in a monthly series of journals written by Bochum and North Korean striker Jong Tae-Se exclusively for Goal.com. You can read previous editions here, here and here

goal.com