The Defining Moment
DPR Korea 1966
In one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, North Korea a team of unknown amateurs making their first and only appearance stunned the world by beating Italy 1-0 in the group stage at Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough. Pak Doo-Ik's solitary goal sent the Azzurri home in disgrace and turned the Koreans into the darlings of the English public. In the quarter-final against Portugal, they raced into an astonishing 3-0 lead within 25 minutes. It seemed impossible. Then Eusébio took over, scoring four goals in a furious comeback that ended 5-3. North Korea's fairy tale was over, but their fearless, joyful football had won hearts around the world and their defeat of Italy remains one of the most replayed upsets in the sport's history.
