North Korea faces elimination at soccer’s Asian Cup

North Korea faces elimination at the Asian Cup soccer finals after losing to Iran, 1-0, in their second Group D game Saturday at Qatar Sports Club in Doha.

With just one point earned from a draw and a loss, the North can advance to the quarterfinals only if it beats defending champion Iraq in their final group game Thursday.

Iran’s two wins and six points have secured Team Melli at least a second-place finish in Group D and a second-round advance. Iraq has a win and a loss for three points and the United Arab Emirates a draw and a loss for one point.

If the UAE loses to or ties Iran, Iraq can advance over North Korea via a tie.

North Korea has fielded its strongest team in history by drawing players from its Olympic squad, including stars Jong Tae Se (Vfl Bochum of Germany), Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov of Russia), and An Yong Hak (Kashiwa Reysol of Japan). All three played in the South Africa World Cup last year.

The Stalinist country has faced an uphill battle, however, after being placed in the same group as Iran and Iraq. North Korea coach Jo Tong Sop said, however, “We won’t give up. The physical conditions of Hong Yong Jo and Jong Tae Se are recovering.”

Jong added, “The next game is important both to me and my team. We’ll win without fail and secure three points.”

creating@donga.com