Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019 Rival Watch: DPR Korea

The Chollima are currently on a five game losing streak in international fixtures.

Igor Stimac’s Indian side will come up against unknown opposition in the form of DPR Korea in the Intercontinental cup. Ranked at 121 in the FIFA ranking, DPR Korea is the lowest ranked team in the tournament, but will be looking to bring back the winning mentality that the side had between 2008 and 2012, a period during which they secured two AFC Challenge Cups.

Recent Performances

North Korean football has been experiencing a low spot in recent years, as the team has fallen far behind in the FIFA rankings. In their most recent outing at the AFC Asian Cup, the team crashed out in the Group stages after crushing losses to Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Qatar.

About The Team

DPR Korea are the lowest FIFA ranked team in the Intercontinental Cup 2019

The DPR Korea side have undergone several years of hardship, both on and off the pitch. It has been very widely reported that football is the country’s most popular sport. The side qualified for the 2010 World Cup and won the AFC Challenge Cup in 2012, but has since fallen off the footballing radar. The team consists both of native Koreans and Chongryon affiliated Koreans who were born in Japan.

DPR Korea are on a five game losing streak in international fixtures, conceding four goals or higher in all of those games.

Head Coach

Yun Jong-Su is in the third stint in charge of the Chollima

Yun Jong-Su has been at the helm of the DPR Korea National side in three separate stints starting from 2003. The 57-year old was also head coach of the U-23 and U-20 teams for brief tenures in this period of time.

Yun Jong-Su is also a former DPR Korea international player. He was banned for 12 months by the AFC in 2014, for misconduct against match officials.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Ri Myong-guk (captain), Sin Hyok, Ri Kwang-il

Defenders: Jang Kuk-chol, Kim Chol-bom, Kim Song-gi, An Song-il, Ri Thong-il, Sim Hyon-jin, Ri Il-jin, Ri Chang-ho, Pak Myong-song, Kim Song-gi, Kang Kuk-chol, Ri Yong-chol.

Midfielders: Pak Song-chol, Ri Yong-jik, Myong Cha-hyon, Yun Il-gwang, Choe Ju-song, Kim Yong-il, Ri Un-chol, Ri Yong-jik, Kang Kuk-chol

Forwards: Pak Kwang-ryong, Kim Yu-song, Jong Il-gwan, Ri Hyok-chol, An Il-bom

Players to Watch

Gwan Jong-il

Gwan Jong-il was named AFC Youth Player of the Year in 2010

The 26-year old is his side’s highest active goal scorer and has experience in the European game. He was named AFC Youth Player of the Year in 2010 and currently plies his trade for Luzern in the Swiss Super League.

Jong may be one of DPR Korea’s ways into making an impact at the Intercontinental Cup.

Ri Myong-guk

Ri Myong-guk was also part of the DPR Korea team in FIFA World Cup 2010

The 32-year old goalkeeper is one of the most experienced heads in the North Korean National team and is has won the most caps for his county. The Three-time DPRK Male Footballer of the year will bring plenty of big game experience, including World Cup experience to the side that will be struggling for confidence at the moment.

What to Expect

As the lowest ranked side in the tournament, DPR Korea will most likely struggle against the likes of India and Syria. However, the experience in the side could prove highly valuable against an Indian National team that is just beginning to find its feet under new boss, Igor Stimac.