Mention Italy to any North Korean and they will almost certainly bring up the 1966 World Cup, when the DPRK shocked “The Blue” to reach the quarterfinals. 

Sadly, North Korea’s soccer teams are unlikely to replicate this success any time soon due to COVID-19 concerns. The DPRK has withdrawn from one major international competition after another, including the Summer Olympics now underway in Tokyo.

In sporting terms, it’s a real shame. The DPRK has long punched far above its weight when it comes to soccer, and its 1966 World Cup success, the best result by an Asian team until