E-Paper
FIFA U-17 World Cup: DPR Korea look to get rid of ‘underdog’ tag
DPR Korea is the least-known team in Group D and they will be looking to use it to their advantage in this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup.
DPR Korea will be one of the lesser known packages in Kochi. They qualified courtesy of their semi-final appearance at the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship. That campaign though was marred by controversy after goalkeeper Jang Paek-ho and coach Yun Jong-su were banned for a year for “bringing the game into disrepute following the deliberate conceding of a goal” during their final group match against Uzbekistan.
The goalkeeper was seen ducking out of the way of a kick as DPR Korea lost 1-3 and booked a place against Oman, whom they beat in the last-eight to qualify for the World Cup. Group winners Uzbekistan were knocked out by Iran in the quarters. Nevertheless, the North Koreans boast of a competitive group of players who can cause a few problems for Brazil and Spain.
KNOW THE COACH: Yong Su Kim
Yong Su Kim took over the reins of the team after Yun Jong-su was handed a ban. With a talented squad with him, he will hope to give some serious competition to the mighty Brazil and Spain sides.
PAST PERFORMANCE: Quarter-finals: 2005. Round of 16: 2007, 2015. Group stage: 2011. Did not qualify: 1985-2003; 2009, 2013.
PASSAGE TO INDIA: DPR Korea reached the semifinals of the 2016 AFC U-16 Championship to qualify.
Results at the Asian U-16 finals: Bt Yemen 2-0; bt Thailand 4-1; lost to Uzbekistan 1-3; drew 1-1 V Oman (won 4-2 on penalties); drew 1-1 vs Iran (lost 5-6 on penalties).
