The DPRK soccer team, which became the sixth nation to qualify for next year's World Cup, have received invitation from China for a warm-up match this September in Beijing, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea embassy in China told China Daily on Friday.

A soccer player from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) arrive at the Capital International Airport, Beijing, June 19, 2009. DPRK qualified for its first World Cup finals since 1966 when it drew with Saudi Arabia 0-0 on Wednesday. [Asianewsphoto]

 

The team were received by embassy officials at the Beijing Capital International Airport on Friday afternoon. But a much bigger celebration awaits them in DPR Korea's capital Pyongyang, where they will arrive on Saturday morning.

 

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"Our team succeeded in earning a spot in the World Cup because we have the rightful command of our leader. We have great confidence with him alongside with us," said Kim Jong-hun, a midfielder told China Daily.

 

Comparing his team with the 1966 World Cup team, which defeated Italy and reached the last eight, Kim said their team was as strong as that historic line-up.

"We will fight as hard as they did," he added.

 

Cha Jong-hyok, a defender, said the entire team were united as one as they fought through the Asian qualifiers for the South Africa finals next year.

 

"The same team shared the same name: goal!" He told China Daily.

 

Pak Nam-Chol, Cha’s teammate added that he has traveled many countries during his career but he still liked his own country more than others.

 

The team left the King Fahd International Stadium in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh on a high after a goalless draw on Wednesday. The stalemate was enough to secure a spot in the 32-nation field next year, joining host South Africa, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and its neighbor the Republic of Korea.