North Korea Final Squad

Fifa Ranking: 105 (285 Points)

First appearance: 1966

No. of appearances (inc 2010): 2

Best result: Quarter-Finals (1966)

Coach: KIM Jong Hun (PRK)

North Korea’s final list of 23 players for the 2010 World Cup contains just three overseas stars. While striker Jong Tae Se and midfielder An Yong Hak of Japan clubs Kawasaki Frontale and Omiya Ardija respectively are in, as is FC Rostov’s Hong Yong Jo, Ryang Yong Gi of J-League team Vegalta Sendai has been left out.

North Korea, who reached the quarter-finals of the 1966 World Cup, their first and, to date, only appearance on the global stage, find themselves in a tough group in South Africa with Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.

Twenty one of the 23 are currently in Switzerland participating in a training camp.On Saturday the team takes on Paraguay and then faces Greece and DR Congo. Then comes a final preparation match with Nigeria before the Group G opener against Brazil in Johannesburg on June 15.

Goalkeepers: Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myong Won (Amrokgang), Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City)

Defenders: Cha Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), Ri Jun Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang Chon (April 25), Nam Song Chol (April 25), Pak Nam Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Kwang Hyok (Kyonggongop), Pak Chol Jin (Amrokgang)

Midfielders:Ji Yun Nam (April 25), Mun In Guk (April 25), Pak Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol Myong (Pyongyang City), Pak Nam Chol (April 25), An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija), Kim Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong Jun (Pyongyang City)

Forwards:Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov), An Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Choe Kum Chol (April 25), Kim Kum Il (April 25)