North Korea’s under-20 footballers received a triumphant welcome upon their return to the country on Saturday after winning the World Cup, according to AFP images received on Sunday.
The North Koreans, who beat Japan 1-0 in the final in Bogota on September 22, won their third title after those won in 2006 and 2016, putting them level with the U20 teams of Germany and of the United States.
The players, some in tears, others overflowing with joy, were welcomed by their families and several dignitaries on the tarmac of Pyongyang airport.
“I am really happy to have worked hard for the honor of our country,” said an emotional team captain Chae Un Yong.
The players then paraded through the streets of Pyongyang aboard an open truck, decorated with flowers and painted with the North Korean flag.
“They thanked the citizens who cheered them, remembering the time when they played with the warm encouragement of all the people of the country,” the official KCNA news agency reported.
AFP video footage showed a crowd gathering near the truck to shake hands with the players and wave national flags.
North Korea’s victory at the Under-20 World Cup comes after years of their country withdrawing from international sporting competitions due to Covid-19.
North Korean women’s football occupies an important place in the world. The women’s national team is ranked 9th by FIFA, while its men’s team only ranks 111th.
kjk/rsc/roc/lpa
