Asian Cup 2015: DPR Korea enjoying Australia, despite mystery surrounding team
WHEN the first question was fired at coach Jong Tong-sop at the press conference in Canberra, reporters were told to refer to the nation as DPR Korea.
DON’T call us North Korea.
DPR Korea’s press officer made it very clear the nation should be called by its official title.
When the first question was fired at coach Jong Tong-sop and Vegalta Sendai forward Ryan Yong-gi at the press conference at Canberra Stadium on Saturday, he wanted all reporters to refer to the nation as DPR Korea
After the formalities were over Tong-sop and Yong-gi answered questions from a hungry media before DPR Korea faces friendly rival in the final Group B match at Canberra Stadium on Sunday night.
But intrigue and mystery has surrounded the side since they landed in Australia for the Asian Cup.
SAUDIS PROMISE TO ATTACK UZBEKISTAN
CUP CROWDS ON TRACK TO TOP EXPECTATIONS
CANBERRA’S CAPITAL GAIN IS ADELAIDE’S LOSS
UP FOR THE CUP: GOAL-FEST AND GOAL-SHY
With head coach Yun Jong-su suspended for 12 months by the Asian Football Confederation after taking aim at match officials following Korea DPR’s 1-0 defeat to hosts Korea Republic in the Asian Games final in Incheon last year the current boss remained tight lipped.
Asked if Jong-su was in Canberra with the squad despite the ban, Tong-sop wouldn’t say if he was in Australia.
The AFC has stipulated Jong-su can carry on with his soccer activities barring official DPR Korea business.
“As for Mr Yun Jong-su he’s not involved in our team,’’ said Tong-sop.
But Tong-sop believes that DPR Korea has gained invaluable experience during the Asian Cup which would help the nation prepare for the AFC’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“The main purpose of our team at the Asian Cup in Australia is firstly to make the best possible results from this tournament,’’ Tong-sop said.
“And also this tournament is also a way to the World Cup in 2018 and I also regard this as preparatory matches for World Cup qualification.”
Tong-sop also believes in depth analysis from DPR Korea football experts will follow the side when it lands at home after the Asian Cup.
“Our football situation is a group of experts will analyse the matches and what was lacking when we get back to our country,’’ Tong-sop said.
And Korea DPR has enjoyed Australia and its hospitality.
Tong-sop is adamant he wants to end the tournament on a positive note despite suffering from two defeats — 1-0 to Uzbekistan and 4-1 to Saudi Arabia -which has effectively knocked the side out of Asian Cup contention.
“The LOC (Local Organising Committee) are doing a very good job with our team,” Tong-sop said.
“We are enjoying our stay it’s very much beautiful and wonderful.”