The Truth Behind North Korea’s ‘1966’ World Cup Run!
Translator’s Note: The freedoms we have when we are born are earned by the hard-work and sacrifices of others! This can involve warfare, political action and social interaction - whilst on occasion it can also encompass (and involve) the world of competitive sport! Modern football is a beautiful game despite its exploitative (capitalist) trappings in the West! Football was invented in England and belongs to the ordinary working people! Needless to say, there is no such capitalist exploitation in the DPRK – which has maintained a genuine Revolutionary pathway of its own making! The North Korean Football Team of 1966 was pure of heart, strong of body and clear in Proletariat intent – and the British working-class loved them for it! Each North Korean man – on and off the pitch – showed the working-class how freedom can be achieved from the excesses of capitalism even if you are thrown into the jaws of that very exploitation!
The US pursues a distinct a policy toward so-called ‘Defectors’ (those who were born and brought up in a ‘Socialist’ or ‘Communist’ State – and subsequently ‘decided’ to permanently ‘relocate’ for life in the capitalist West – whilst criticising their former home). Providing the ‘Defector’ renounces their former ‘Citizenship’ - this process usually involves the granting of free housing, free education, free medical care, immediate (and impressive) employment, a bank account full of ‘free’ money, immunity from prosecution and relocation to any place on the globe influenced by US foreign policy! To receive all these superb ‘Benefits’ (which are definitely NOT granted to the average Citizen ‘born’ within a capitalist State) the ‘Defector’ must ‘lie’ about their former home and lend their name to a damning ‘script’ which demonises and portrays its Social System as being something similar to a Nazi German Death Camp! Once this is achieved, then the river of plenty will start flowing! This is the production of ‘malicious’ and ‘false’ history, usually ‘racist’ in nature, that is still aimed by the US toward China and North Korea – whilst all the real injustices and atrocities committed by the US-led capitalist West is simply ‘ignored’ as if non-existent! It is only in recent times that ‘Defecting’ North Koreans (settling into South Korea) have gone on public record by criticising America and stating just how bad US capitalism is and how poor the lives are of the average South Korean! This is an unusual development, as the US usually attempts to control ‘Defecting’ individuals by threatening to ‘return’ them to the home countries they have betrayed (presumably to face the music for their treachery)! The reality, of course, is quite different to the malicious fairy-tale concocted by the US – as North Koreans ‘leave’ and ‘return’ to the DPRK on a regular basis – just as people do in other countries! Needless-to-say, the returning ‘1966’ North Korea World Cup Team were viewed as ‘heroes’ and were treated with comradely respect! Nothing bad or untoward happened to them in any way.
Of course, the British State is no friend of Socialism – but we (the British people) – were and are friends of the North Korean people! Long Live the North Korean Spirit of 1966! Every time a football is kicked – please remember these Brave Korean men who achieved so much for Asian and non-White people in general – whilst befriending ALL right-minded ‘White’ working-class people! Long Live Juche and Songun! ACW (11.12.2022)
The US pursues a distinct a policy toward so-called ‘Defectors’ (those who were born and brought up in a ‘Socialist’ or ‘Communist’ State – and subsequently ‘decided’ to permanently ‘relocate’ for life in the capitalist West – whilst criticising their former home). Providing the ‘Defector’ renounces their former ‘Citizenship’ - this process usually involves the granting of free housing, free education, free medical care, immediate (and impressive) employment, a bank account full of ‘free’ money, immunity from prosecution and relocation to any place on the globe influenced by US foreign policy! To receive all these superb ‘Benefits’ (which are definitely NOT granted to the average Citizen ‘born’ within a capitalist State) the ‘Defector’ must ‘lie’ about their former home and lend their name to a damning ‘script’ which demonises and portrays its Social System as being something similar to a Nazi German Death Camp! Once this is achieved, then the river of plenty will start flowing! This is the production of ‘malicious’ and ‘false’ history, usually ‘racist’ in nature, that is still aimed by the US toward China and North Korea – whilst all the real injustices and atrocities committed by the US-led capitalist West is simply ‘ignored’ as if non-existent! It is only in recent times that ‘Defecting’ North Koreans (settling into South Korea) have gone on public record by criticising America and stating just how bad US capitalism is and how poor the lives are of the average South Korean! This is an unusual development, as the US usually attempts to control ‘Defecting’ individuals by threatening to ‘return’ them to the home countries they have betrayed (presumably to face the music for their treachery)! The reality, of course, is quite different to the malicious fairy-tale concocted by the US – as North Koreans ‘leave’ and ‘return’ to the DPRK on a regular basis – just as people do in other countries! Needless-to-say, the returning ‘1966’ North Korea World Cup Team were viewed as ‘heroes’ and were treated with comradely respect! Nothing bad or untoward happened to them in any way.
Of course, the British State is no friend of Socialism – but we (the British people) – were and are friends of the North Korean people! Long Live the North Korean Spirit of 1966! Every time a football is kicked – please remember these Brave Korean men who achieved so much for Asian and non-White people in general – whilst befriending ALL right-minded ‘White’ working-class people! Long Live Juche and Songun! ACW (11.12.2022)
During the 1950s – and happening in the background to the ideological battle between the US and the USSR – numerous colonised African and Asian countries and regions launched successful independence movements against European colonial rule (with Britain and France powerless to prevent such anti-colonial resistance)! The US (and its allies) supported this colonial subjugation whilst the USSR (and its allies) opposed it. Due to the participation of a large number of newly independent countries - the qualifiers for the 1966 World Cup (which was to be held in England) reached an unprecedented seventy (70) teams – a high number of hopeful footballing nations never seen before!
At this time, FIFA had no interest in Third World or developing African or Asian countries - and after the racist (apartheid-supporting) South Africa announced its withdrawal from the competition – the usual two (2) places allocated to Africa, Asia and Oceania was reduced to just one (1) place! Deeply offended by this act of FIFA racism, the African Nations – acting in Solidarity - ‘collectively’ withdrew in protest from the 1966 World Cup! Behind the scenes, the US was dissatisfied with FIFA allowing the DPRK to put forward a competing football team – and instructed the football team of ‘South Korea’ (a fascist, capitalist colonial State – occupied and controlled by the US) to also ‘withdraw’ in protest!
Bizarrely, the two teams that would contest this single qualifying place for the Africa, Asia and Oceania slot for the 1966 World Cup - was decided by a FIFA lottery draw in Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh – an unlikely process which decided that North Korea would play Australia in a tie to be decided over two matches! The North Korean team went into ten months of military-style training for this double-match tie – and over the two-legs the North Koreans defeated the Australians by an aggregate score of 9:2! Both these games were played at the ‘National Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh’ on November 21st, 1965 (North Korea 6:1 Australia) - with the return leg played on November 24th, 1965 (Australia 1:3 North Korea). With these stunning victories – North Korea became the first Asian side to qualify for the World Cup!
This led to diplomatic turmoil between North Korean and England - the host of the 1966 World Cup! This was because the UK was part of the US War of Aggression in Korea (1950-1953) - an imperialist conflict which had ended in an ‘Armistice’ cease-fire rather than a ‘Peace Treaty’! (Despite the DPRK continuously offering a ‘Peace Treaty’ - the US has adopted a policy of continuous war on the Korean peninsula). In a continuation of this racist British policy – the British Foreign Office considered denying visas to the North Korean football team - thus preventing the DPRK from participating in the World Cup. Fearing that such an overt display of Eurocentric racism would damage the reputation of the World Cup – FIFA threatened to change the venue if the UK did make a diplomatic compromise.
As a response, the British formulated the following compromise. In an attempt to prevent the DPRK from using the World Cup as a platform for the display of superior Communist ideology, (Chinese language readers must understand that in the capitalist West – the oppressed masses are brainwashed to ‘hate’ Communism), the ‘Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’ (DPRK) must adhere to the following FIFA and UK stipulations:
1) As the UK is still in a state of ‘War’ with the DPRK – the ‘DPRK’ (at all times) must refer to itself (and be referred to) as ‘North Korea’ - and NEVER the ‘DPRK’!
2) The National Anthems of each competing team will only be played at the ‘first’ match - and at no other games other than the ‘Final’ (should any of the competing teams reach it).
From the very start, the British and World Press took a hostile position against North Korea. The racist component focused on the average height of each player (only 165 centimetres), with the bodies of each player being seemingly too ‘thin’ and ‘weak’ to stand-up to the typical European build. Furthermore, all twenty-two (22) North Korean players came from only semi-professional (domestic) football teams and were considered ‘unqualified’ at the international level! When the competition came, the North Koreans were drawn in Group 4 alongside Italy, the USSR and Chile! Continuing the racist coverage, one British newspaper stated, ‘Unless the North Korean team can juggle the ball and run with it in the crooks of their necks – the USSR and Italy will easily qualify!’
As North Korea's three group matches were to be played at Ayresome Park in Middlesbrough (Northeastern England) - the North Korean team chose ‘Middlesbrough’ as its main base for preparations. As the North Korean Tean Members were humble and polite – and given that the North Koreans chose to wear a ‘red’ shirt (the same colour as the Middlesbrough Football Team) - the local Middlesbrough (working-class) people took to these unusual visitors and a great love and support developed – despite the hostile attitude of the British Press and British Establishment!
FIFA President Sir Stanley Rous greeted the North Korean side as they arrived at Tees-side Airport in preparation for their first match with the mighty USSR! The USSR was an ideological friend of North Korea and had historically supported its fight for Independence from Japanese and US domination – and had assisted in its reconstruction! However, sport is sport, and all is equal on the sporting field! This is why North Korea lost 3:0 in their first match. The Soviet Team was very powerful with highly experienced players chosen from fifteen (15) constituent nations! The North Korean side held-out valiantly for thirty (30) minutes – but then conceded three (3) devastating goals in quick succession! This result only encouraged the Western Press with its habitual racism!
North Korea ‘drew’ 1:1 with Chile – making history yet again as Captain Park Seung-jin (朴承振) equalised after Chile had earlier taken the lead! The Chilean team – although possessing excellent technical ability (but mediocre physical fitness) - had scored the first goal through a penalty in the first half of the game. With almost all the support of the ordinary British people in the audience – the North Korean player named ‘Park Seung-jin (朴承振)’ had become the FIRST Asian person to score at a FIFA World Cup! Meanwhile, the USSR had drawn 1:1 with Chile – and had beaten the favourites Italy 1:0! North Korea had it all to play for when the team squared-off with Italy! At the 34th minute the Captain of Italy - Giacomo Bulgarelli – was badly injured following a strong tackle and had to be taken-off the field! Since football rules at the time did not allow for substitutions - the Italian team had no choice but to continue the game with just ten (10) players! Then, just before half-time – the North Korean player named ‘Park Doo-Ik' (朴斗翼) scored to put his side ahead! Although both sides were desperate to qualify for the next round, the Italian players started fighting amongst themselves, and this led to a stalemate in their efforts! This – coupled with the stubborn defence of the North Koreans – ensured that the DPRK finally won the match – 1:0! This was a major footballing upset!
Although this victory has been celebrated for years in North Korea – the Italian Press has stated that the Head Coach (Fabbri) was ineffective, reckless and even derelict – in his duty toward the Italian National Football Team! There have even been ridiculous speculations that the Italian Squad was ‘drugged’ before or even during the match! How could a racially inferior side knockout a European side from a major footballing nation! Out of Group 4, these results meant that the USSR qualified in first place and North Korea qualified in second place (both ‘Communist’ teams ahead of Italy and Chile)! This guaranteed North Korea a place in the 1966 World Cup Quarter Finals! Meanwhile, the British (working-class) supporters took the North Korean players to the local Public House (a place in the UK where people drink alcohol, socialise and have fun) – where they got drunk in celebration!
During the Quarter Finals of the World Cup the North Korean had to face the Portuguese - who were also newcomers to the World Cup. The match was held at Goodison Park in Liverpool. More than 3,000 Middlesbrough local residents travelled to support the North Koreans! As North Korea had not expected to progress – they had no hotel rooms arranged! Instead - a local Church agreed to give the players refuge! Although grateful – the cross placed in the room deeply disturbed the North Korean players and many were unable to sleep! This meant that the North Korean players were not properly ‘rested’ when their next game arrived. Despite this, twenty-five (25) minutes into the Quarter Final game with Portugal – North Korea were 3:0 up! However, their lack of proper sleep started to tell as they were unable to contain the impact of ‘Black Panther’ - Eusebio (who scored four goals) - with North Korea eventually losing 5:3 in a magnificent game - and regretfully having to bid farewell to the British (working-class) fans who had taken them to their heart – and the wondrous World Cup!
In the Above Clip - North Korea Score Against Chile in the 1966 World Cup!
Despite all these excellent footballing achievements – the Western world reacted with a racist indifference – preferring to just ‘forget’ that North Korea had ever been at the 1966 FIFA World Cup! This led to the North Korean Team of 1966 returning to North Korea and appearing to disappear into the mysterious nation that the DPRK seems to be! A lack of official comment from the DPRK government (or any other Socialist government) only added to this sense of isolation. The 1966 North Korean wonder-team disappeared from world view just as quick as it had appeared, and this led to all sorts of incorrect speculation. The truth is that these men – rejected by a racist Western world had to return to their professional jobs and get back to the reality of the everyday building of Socialism in their country! This led to the North Korean traitor - Kang Chol-hwan (姜哲焕) - (who defected to the US colony of South Korea) to fill the information vacuum with lies and falsehood. In his book the ‘The Pyongyang Aquarium’ (平壤的水族馆 - Ping Rang De Shui Zu Guan) this traitor states the following untruths:
a) Only ‘Park Doo-Ik' (朴斗翼) was awarded by being allowed to return to his previous life.
b) Some players were exiled to different places as ‘Political’ prisoners.
c) Other players ended-up at the notorious No. 15 Labour Camp – sentenced to ‘Hard Labour’.
These assertions were all revealed as ‘lies’ following four-years of diplomatic negotiation (1998-2002) which culminated in the Film Director - Daniel Gordon – being given ‘Official’ special permission by the government of the DPRK to travel to North Korea and make a film entitled ‘The Game of Their Lives’ (他们生命中的比赛 - Ta Men Sheng Ming Zhong De Bi Sai)! This film focused upon the 1966 North Korean World Cup Team and provided (for the first time) an official appraisal of the lives of the players after their return. All were amply rewarded and became well-known persons of great courage, determination and bravery for the Communist Cause and the development of Socialism within North Korea! None of them were ‘punished’ (as suggested by US propaganda) with most becoming household names! Those in the military were promoted whilst others took roles as educators and sports teachers – using the experience they gained during the 1966 World Cup to enrich the North Korean Nation!
Park Doo-Ik (朴斗翼) Scores for North Korea Against Italy!
This film is significant as it marks the first ‘foreign’ film to take an interest in the lives of these extraordinary players and the true fate they experienced after their exit from the 1966 World Cup! During 2002, whilst filming this documentary, Daniel Gordon arranged for the North Korean Team to re-unite and travel back to Middlesbrough (in the UK) - to relive the memories of where their days of glory had transpired some 36-years later! Of course, the 1960s of the 20th Century was as different from 2002 – as 2002 is different from today (2022)! The local people of Middlesbrough were as welcoming in 2002 as they were in 1966 – with children and grandchildren carrying on the British working-class tradition of acceptance and tolerance! These North Korean football players have a special place in many people’s hearts – with ‘Park Doo-Ik' (朴斗翼) being asked to carry the Olympic Torch through Pyongyang, North Korea in 2008!
Glory for North Korea Against Italy at the 1966 World Cup!
He has written that the North Korean Football Team made history because of the power of the DPRK State and the ideological training they received both physically and psychologically! This is not just propaganda but a genuine fact which the enemies of Socialism try to hide and manipulate out of existence. The US (and British) military aggression in Korea between 1950-1953 cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Korean and Chinese people (as well as hundreds of working-class men sent to fight in the armies of the West)! And yet in just thirteen (13) years of reconstruction – the North Korean State managed to produce a Football Team that came to the racist West and nearly won the 1966 World Cup! What a magnificent achievement this was for ALL non-White people in the world! The 1966 North Korean World Cup Squad achieved the following:
1) First Asian Football Team to qualify and attend the World Cup.
2) First Asian Football Team to score a goal at a World Cup.
3) First Asian Football Team to win a match at the World Cup.
4) First Asian Football Team to qualify for the World Cup Quarter Finals!
One of North Korea's Goals Against Portugal in the 1966 World Cup!
The 1966 North Korean World Cup Wonder Team!
Chinese Language Source:
世界杯的遗憾54:1966年的朝鲜队
2022-09-12 11:22:23 来源: 马可菠萝包 江苏
基本的介绍20世纪50年代开始,各个被殖民地的国家和地区纷纷掀起独立运动,并在美苏全球争霸、英法无力镇压的时代背景下大多成功实现独立。1966年英格兰世界杯的预选赛,由于大量刚独立的国家参与,而达到了共有70多支球队参赛的空前规模。
成功实现独立的非洲人民并不关注第三世界国家利益的国际足联,在支持种族隔离政策的白人南非宣布退赛后,将给非洲、亚洲和大洋洲一起分配的两张门票削减到一张,深感被歧视的非洲选择集体退出预选赛;而由于朝鲜的参赛,与朝鲜敌对的韩国也愤而退出了预选赛。最终,在柬埔寨金边进行的世界杯预选赛的门票争夺战,在朝鲜队和澳大利亚队之间展开。进行了十个月集中训练和备战的朝鲜队,最终以两回合9:2的总比分横扫澳大利亚队,历史性地闯进世界杯。
1966年的朝鲜队外交的风波1966年世界杯东道主的英格兰,作为英国的主体部分,由于当时的英国和朝鲜,理论上还处于战争状态(朝鲜战争结只是以停战而非和平结束),英国外交部甚至考虑拒绝向朝鲜人发放签证,从而阻止朝鲜队参加世界杯。深恐两国外交风波导致世界杯形象严重受损的国际足联,以更换世界杯举办地相威胁,最终迫使英国做出了妥协。为了避免朝鲜借世界杯舞台大肆宣传被西方视为洪水猛兽的共产主义,国际足联和英国共同要求朝鲜队使用“朝鲜”(NorthKorea)而非官方名称“朝鲜民主主义人民共和国”(DemocraticPeople’sRepublicofKorea)作为参赛队名;另外,除了揭幕战和最终决赛外,其余比赛在赛前不得播放各国的国歌。
敌对的朝鲜和英国被外界看衰这支平均身高只有165公分的朝鲜队,全部的22名参赛球员均来自朝鲜国内的半职业联赛,且普遍身材矮小瘦弱、缺少国际比赛经验。和苏联队、意大利队、智利队同分在第四小组的朝鲜队,被外界一致看衰,英国当地报纸甚至嘲讽朝鲜队“除非朝鲜队员会杂耍,能够将球放在脖子的弯曲处进行带球跑动,否则苏联队和意大利队将轻松小组出线”。由于朝鲜队的三场小组赛都在英格兰东北部的米德尔斯堡市(Middlesbrough)的艾雅苏美公园球场(AyresomePark)进行,因此朝鲜队选择了米德尔斯堡市作为备战基地。和当地的米德尔斯堡队的主场队服颜色相同(均为红色)的朝鲜队,以其谦逊礼貌的风度、认真努力的态度打动了当地居民,并得到了支持和喜爱。
国际足联主席斯坦利爵士在机场欢迎朝鲜队被苏联击溃小组赛的首场比赛,世界杯新军朝鲜队迎战实力强大的苏联队。作为朝鲜政治上的老大哥、以及不计代价地全方位援助朝鲜的金主爸爸的苏联,凭借身体素质的巨大优势,最终以3:0轻松获胜。而努力抵挡了30分钟,最终连吞三弹的朝鲜队,更是加深了外界将其视作鱼腩球队的判定。
朝鲜队和苏联队比赛逼平智利队小组赛第二场比赛,朝鲜队面对实力不俗的智利队。技术能力出色但身体素质一般的智利队,在上半场比赛中通过点球率先破门。比分落后的朝鲜队,在全场球迷近乎一边倒地支持下,最终由队长朴承振在终场前将比分扳平,同时,这也是亚洲球队在世界杯比赛中的第一粒进球。
朴承振的进球惊天大冷门小组赛第三场比赛,朝鲜队挑战作为夺冠热门的意大利队。由于意大利队在第二场小组赛中意外地以0:1败给了苏联队,所以本场小组赛的两支球队均还有机会取得小组出线权。
朝鲜队和意大利队的入场上半场第34分钟,意大利队的队长贾科莫·布尔加雷利(GiacomoBulgarelli)在铲球后受伤,这场灾难给意大利队带来了打击。由于当时的足球比赛规则不允许换人,因此在没有换人的情况下,意大利队别无选择,只能以10人继续比赛。上半场比赛临近结束前,朴斗翼的进球帮助朝鲜队取得领先。下半场比赛中,渴望小组出线、但已阵脚大乱、陷入各自为战僵局的意大利队,在朝鲜队众志成城、拼死抵抗的防守面前无计可施。最终朝鲜队以1:0取胜,创造了世界杯历史上惊天大冷门。
疯狂庆祝的朝鲜队员多年后,虽然有媒体爆出意大利足协因为不满时任意大利队主教练法布里的执教,而对意大利队的球员投放了镇静剂,导致意大利队最终被朝鲜队不可思议地击败。但无论如何辩解和修饰,朝鲜队都完成了踩着意大利队小组出线的历史性壮举。止步八强战创造了小组出线奇迹的朝鲜队,在米德尔斯堡当地的酒吧里大肆庆祝,喝得酩酊大醉。由于没有预料到球队能够小组出线,已经没有酒店房间的朝鲜队,只得选择当地的教堂作为临时落脚点。世界杯八强战,朝鲜队遭遇同为世界杯新军的葡萄牙队,比赛将在利物浦的古迪逊公园球场(GoodisonPark)举行,超过三千名米德尔斯堡当地居民前往现场支持朝鲜队。但由于朝鲜队员下榻的酒店,房间内安放的十字架严重干扰了朝鲜队员的情绪,导致大多数人无法正常入睡。这场世界杯八强战,朝鲜队在比赛前25分钟就取得了三球的领先优势。但体力严重不足的朝鲜队员,在之后的比赛中根本无力阻挡“黑豹”尤西比奥的冲击,最终以3:5失利,遗憾地告别了世界杯。
朝鲜队和葡萄牙队比赛中之后的故事自我封闭、隔绝世界的朝鲜,总是充满了神秘的色彩。这支朝鲜队的队员回国后的故事,也缺少官方渠道的正式说明。从朝鲜叛逃到韩国的“脱北者”姜哲焕在《平壤的水族馆》一书中,曾描述这支朝鲜队的队员除了朴斗翼外,大都都作为政治犯被流放到各地,甚至有人曾被送到了臭名昭著的15号劳改营服苦役。20世纪90年代末,导演丹尼尔-戈登(DanielGordon)经过为期四年的外交努力,终于获得朝鲜官方的特别许可,得以前往朝鲜拍摄朝鲜队1966年世界杯的纪录片《他们生命中的比赛》(TheGameofTheirLives),而这也是首部获得朝鲜官方许可的、由外国媒体报道朝鲜普通民众的影片。
朝鲜队的功勋球员2002年,这支朝鲜队获得机会故地重游,重新向外界展示自己,并获得了米德尔斯堡市当地居民的热烈欢迎。实际情况中,这支朝鲜队的大多数人日后都获得了丰厚的物质奖励、享受着体面的生活。其中,朴斗翼作为2008年朝鲜平壤的火炬手,参与了奥运圣火的传递。
传递奥运圣火的朴斗翼写在最后的虽然朝鲜队总是被赋予神秘色彩,并被赌球集团操控的传闻所笼罩,但这支球队的国家荣誉观念和团结拼搏精神依然值得肯定。遗憾的是,通过消息闭塞、思想控制的方式,想在信息几乎透明的工业足球时代打造一支黑马,已经完全不可能。那种属于世界杯早期的原生态的黑马传奇,已经在真正意义上成为了神话传说。
2022-09-12 11:22:23 来源: 马可菠萝包 江苏
基本的介绍20世纪50年代开始,各个被殖民地的国家和地区纷纷掀起独立运动,并在美苏全球争霸、英法无力镇压的时代背景下大多成功实现独立。1966年英格兰世界杯的预选赛,由于大量刚独立的国家参与,而达到了共有70多支球队参赛的空前规模。
成功实现独立的非洲人民并不关注第三世界国家利益的国际足联,在支持种族隔离政策的白人南非宣布退赛后,将给非洲、亚洲和大洋洲一起分配的两张门票削减到一张,深感被歧视的非洲选择集体退出预选赛;而由于朝鲜的参赛,与朝鲜敌对的韩国也愤而退出了预选赛。最终,在柬埔寨金边进行的世界杯预选赛的门票争夺战,在朝鲜队和澳大利亚队之间展开。进行了十个月集中训练和备战的朝鲜队,最终以两回合9:2的总比分横扫澳大利亚队,历史性地闯进世界杯。
1966年的朝鲜队外交的风波1966年世界杯东道主的英格兰,作为英国的主体部分,由于当时的英国和朝鲜,理论上还处于战争状态(朝鲜战争结只是以停战而非和平结束),英国外交部甚至考虑拒绝向朝鲜人发放签证,从而阻止朝鲜队参加世界杯。深恐两国外交风波导致世界杯形象严重受损的国际足联,以更换世界杯举办地相威胁,最终迫使英国做出了妥协。为了避免朝鲜借世界杯舞台大肆宣传被西方视为洪水猛兽的共产主义,国际足联和英国共同要求朝鲜队使用“朝鲜”(NorthKorea)而非官方名称“朝鲜民主主义人民共和国”(DemocraticPeople’sRepublicofKorea)作为参赛队名;另外,除了揭幕战和最终决赛外,其余比赛在赛前不得播放各国的国歌。
敌对的朝鲜和英国被外界看衰这支平均身高只有165公分的朝鲜队,全部的22名参赛球员均来自朝鲜国内的半职业联赛,且普遍身材矮小瘦弱、缺少国际比赛经验。和苏联队、意大利队、智利队同分在第四小组的朝鲜队,被外界一致看衰,英国当地报纸甚至嘲讽朝鲜队“除非朝鲜队员会杂耍,能够将球放在脖子的弯曲处进行带球跑动,否则苏联队和意大利队将轻松小组出线”。由于朝鲜队的三场小组赛都在英格兰东北部的米德尔斯堡市(Middlesbrough)的艾雅苏美公园球场(AyresomePark)进行,因此朝鲜队选择了米德尔斯堡市作为备战基地。和当地的米德尔斯堡队的主场队服颜色相同(均为红色)的朝鲜队,以其谦逊礼貌的风度、认真努力的态度打动了当地居民,并得到了支持和喜爱。
国际足联主席斯坦利爵士在机场欢迎朝鲜队被苏联击溃小组赛的首场比赛,世界杯新军朝鲜队迎战实力强大的苏联队。作为朝鲜政治上的老大哥、以及不计代价地全方位援助朝鲜的金主爸爸的苏联,凭借身体素质的巨大优势,最终以3:0轻松获胜。而努力抵挡了30分钟,最终连吞三弹的朝鲜队,更是加深了外界将其视作鱼腩球队的判定。
朝鲜队和苏联队比赛逼平智利队小组赛第二场比赛,朝鲜队面对实力不俗的智利队。技术能力出色但身体素质一般的智利队,在上半场比赛中通过点球率先破门。比分落后的朝鲜队,在全场球迷近乎一边倒地支持下,最终由队长朴承振在终场前将比分扳平,同时,这也是亚洲球队在世界杯比赛中的第一粒进球。
朴承振的进球惊天大冷门小组赛第三场比赛,朝鲜队挑战作为夺冠热门的意大利队。由于意大利队在第二场小组赛中意外地以0:1败给了苏联队,所以本场小组赛的两支球队均还有机会取得小组出线权。
朝鲜队和意大利队的入场上半场第34分钟,意大利队的队长贾科莫·布尔加雷利(GiacomoBulgarelli)在铲球后受伤,这场灾难给意大利队带来了打击。由于当时的足球比赛规则不允许换人,因此在没有换人的情况下,意大利队别无选择,只能以10人继续比赛。上半场比赛临近结束前,朴斗翼的进球帮助朝鲜队取得领先。下半场比赛中,渴望小组出线、但已阵脚大乱、陷入各自为战僵局的意大利队,在朝鲜队众志成城、拼死抵抗的防守面前无计可施。最终朝鲜队以1:0取胜,创造了世界杯历史上惊天大冷门。
疯狂庆祝的朝鲜队员多年后,虽然有媒体爆出意大利足协因为不满时任意大利队主教练法布里的执教,而对意大利队的球员投放了镇静剂,导致意大利队最终被朝鲜队不可思议地击败。但无论如何辩解和修饰,朝鲜队都完成了踩着意大利队小组出线的历史性壮举。止步八强战创造了小组出线奇迹的朝鲜队,在米德尔斯堡当地的酒吧里大肆庆祝,喝得酩酊大醉。由于没有预料到球队能够小组出线,已经没有酒店房间的朝鲜队,只得选择当地的教堂作为临时落脚点。世界杯八强战,朝鲜队遭遇同为世界杯新军的葡萄牙队,比赛将在利物浦的古迪逊公园球场(GoodisonPark)举行,超过三千名米德尔斯堡当地居民前往现场支持朝鲜队。但由于朝鲜队员下榻的酒店,房间内安放的十字架严重干扰了朝鲜队员的情绪,导致大多数人无法正常入睡。这场世界杯八强战,朝鲜队在比赛前25分钟就取得了三球的领先优势。但体力严重不足的朝鲜队员,在之后的比赛中根本无力阻挡“黑豹”尤西比奥的冲击,最终以3:5失利,遗憾地告别了世界杯。
朝鲜队和葡萄牙队比赛中之后的故事自我封闭、隔绝世界的朝鲜,总是充满了神秘的色彩。这支朝鲜队的队员回国后的故事,也缺少官方渠道的正式说明。从朝鲜叛逃到韩国的“脱北者”姜哲焕在《平壤的水族馆》一书中,曾描述这支朝鲜队的队员除了朴斗翼外,大都都作为政治犯被流放到各地,甚至有人曾被送到了臭名昭著的15号劳改营服苦役。20世纪90年代末,导演丹尼尔-戈登(DanielGordon)经过为期四年的外交努力,终于获得朝鲜官方的特别许可,得以前往朝鲜拍摄朝鲜队1966年世界杯的纪录片《他们生命中的比赛》(TheGameofTheirLives),而这也是首部获得朝鲜官方许可的、由外国媒体报道朝鲜普通民众的影片。
朝鲜队的功勋球员2002年,这支朝鲜队获得机会故地重游,重新向外界展示自己,并获得了米德尔斯堡市当地居民的热烈欢迎。实际情况中,这支朝鲜队的大多数人日后都获得了丰厚的物质奖励、享受着体面的生活。其中,朴斗翼作为2008年朝鲜平壤的火炬手,参与了奥运圣火的传递。
传递奥运圣火的朴斗翼写在最后的虽然朝鲜队总是被赋予神秘色彩,并被赌球集团操控的传闻所笼罩,但这支球队的国家荣誉观念和团结拼搏精神依然值得肯定。遗憾的是,通过消息闭塞、思想控制的方式,想在信息几乎透明的工业足球时代打造一支黑马,已经完全不可能。那种属于世界杯早期的原生态的黑马传奇,已经在真正意义上成为了神话传说。