T
It may be surprising to some that North Korea is ranked in the top 10 of the world’s best women’s football teams, surpassing Brazil and Australia. However, the Eastern Azaleas are determined to solidify their position as one of the top teams by defeating Japan in a two-legged playoff to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
After a four-year pause due to the pandemic, North Korea (also known as DPRK) has regained their impressive ninth place ranking in FIFA and is displaying potential to reclaim their position as a dominant force in the region.
The side has a rich history and many wonder how this isolated state has created such a strong sports team. To understand this, we need to look at the role of women’s football in the DPRK and the significance of qualifying for the first Olympic Games since London 2012 for the country.
A representation of the principles and beliefs held by a nation.
On December 21, 1989 in Hong Kong, Kim Jong-il, who would later become the supreme leader, expressed his admiration for the women’s football team after their first international match against China. Despite their 4-1 loss, Kim Jong-il remained optimistic as the team’s second-in-command.
According to Bukan Cheyuk Jaryojip, a book on North Korean sport, there has been improvement in the skills of our women’s football team. The author suggests that if they continue to work hard, they may have a chance at winning international tournaments in the near future.
Display the image in full screen mode.
During this period, the state of women’s football was lacking in development on a global scale. The DPRK has historically faced challenges in advancing their men’s football team, but saw potential in their women’s team. They invested significant resources and created a plan to build a successful North Korean team that could compete on an international level.
The connection between sports and political motives remains prevalent in North Korea. The success of their teams on the international stage is often used as a symbol of the country’s strength and power, boosting the morale and support of the citizens for their governing leadership.
The method produced impressive outcomes in the long run. So far, they have achieved victory in three Asian Cups, three Asian Games, and three East Asian Championships. Their most notable achievement is winning the 2006 Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Their success in local tournaments has also helped them maintain a top ranking in Fifa, reaching an all-time high of fifth in the mid-2000s.
Display the image in full screen mode.
Their style is defined by their physicality and strategic discipline. The rigorous training that young players undergo also helps them constantly improve their technique and football knowledge. This draws a parallel between their playing style and the militaristic values promoted in North Korean ideology, which is regularly instilled in its citizens. It’s not surprising that the current supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, seems determined to continue this approach during a time of political and economic instability.
The hopeful path ahead
After resuming play, their performance has been impressive. Out of 12 games, they have won 10, tied one, and only lost once – a 4-1 defeat against Japan in the 2023 Asian Games final.
The DPRK has recently had several triumphs, such as a 4-1 defeat of their neighboring country South Korea, a 2-1 win against China, and four games where they scored double digits. Their strength has been reignited and their trajectory is clearly on the rise.
Display the image in full screen mode.
The current objective is challenging. Despite facing injuries to important players, Japan is able to field a formidable team consisting of top-notch talent. Many of the Nadeshiko players compete in top leagues, while the North Korean squad all play within their own country.
The Asian Football Confederation has required that North Korea’s home match be held in a different country due to the lack of flights between the two nations. The game will now be played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with short notice. Japan is also facing difficulties with travel arrangements for their players. Despite North Korea’s 4-1 defeat in the Asian Games, it should be noted that three of Japan’s goals were scored within a span of six minutes. This momentary lapse in performance may have been analyzed in the post-match review.
Japan is considered the favored team going into the match, but the outcome is not guaranteed. The current situation indicates that DPRK is functioning at their best, motivated by strong underlying goals.
Get in touch
If you have any inquiries or feedback regarding our newsletters, please contact us at [email protected]. Also, a friendly reminder that Moving the Goalposts is released twice a week, with newsletters sent out every Tuesday and Thursday.
-
The following is a portion of our complimentary weekly email, Moving the Goalposts. To access the complete version, please go to this page and follow the provided instructions.
Source: theguardian.com
