Manager Kim Jong-hun is confident that North Korea can upset the odds and beat Brazil on Tuesday.
North Korea boss vows to play positively
Manager Kim Jong-hun is confident that North Korea can upset the odds and beat Brazil on Tuesday.
North Korea are the underdogs in a difficult Group G that also contains Portugal and Ivory Coast, but Jong-hun has set his sights on a place in the last 16.
He has promised a positive approach in all three games against teams that he accepts might be better technically.
"Our Group G opponents are very strong," Jong-hun told
Fifa's website.
"But in football, the best teams don't necessarily win. We will give it our best.
"We know we need to win to reach the knockout phase, so no matter who we're up against, we'll target the three points."
Tactics
While defence is often regarded as North Korea's strongest suit, Jong-hun believes they will make an impact going forward.
"Our rivals are expecting to see us focus on defence because we actually played quite defensively during qualification," he explained.
"But our game is not all about playing cautiously - we can also play good attacking football when we need to."
Captain Hong Yong-jo also feels that North Korea can spring a surprise against Brazil if they play to their strengths.
"Brazil are indeed a stronger team than us, but we can use our tactics to counter them," said Yong-jo, who finished as his side's joint leading scorer in qualifying.
"You never know what will happen until the match is over.
"I have set a personal goal for myself, which is to motivate my team-mates and help my country reach the last 16."
