World Cup Qualifying - Asia | Third Round

Nov 14, 2024 at 12am UK

North Koreavs.Iran

Match preview

The hosts conceded an 11th-minute goal against Kyrgyzstan and had a tough time getting into the game. They only managed two shots on target and didn't create any real scoring opportunities.

Chollima drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates in their last game in the qualifiers. The UAE scored the only shot on target in that game.

Manager Yong-Nam Sin's side have scored three goals and conceded five times in their four group games so far, which is the worst offensive and third worst defensive record.

Sin's team are just two points off third and fourth place, with each spot enough to qualify for the fourth round of World Cup qualifying.

North Korea are having a rough time, to say the least. They haven't managed to win any of their last six matches, losing three and drawing three.

The home team has won two of their last three games at the Lao National Stadium, both of which were in the AFC World Cup qualifiers.

Iran are coming into the clash on the back of a 4-1 victory against Qatar on 15 October. That's an impressive result, especially considering they trailed 1-0 after 17 minutes.

The team that'll be playing on Thursday has made it to the last three World Cups, but they got knocked out of the group stage each time.

Amir Ghalenoei has been in charge of the national team since March 2023 and has a record of 21 wins, four draws and just one defeat.

Ghalenoei's team are on a roll, winning six of their last eight matches and scoring 16 goals while only conceding three.

The Persian Stars have also done really well in the World Cup qualifiers, winning eight and drawing three of their last 11 matches.

Iran have been on a winning streak in their last 13 away games, with 11 victories and two draws.

Recent Performance

North Korea World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WWLDDL

North Korea form (all competitions):DLLDDL

Iran World Cup Qualifying - Asia form:WDWWDW

Team News

It looks like North Korea will play in a 4-4-2 shape, with centre-backs Kuk Chol Jang and Kim Yu Song likely to feature in defence.

Kuk Chol Kang and Kim Kuk Bom could form a double pivot in midfield, with Kuk-jin Kim and Jo-guk Ri up front.

It looks like Iran will field a similar XI to the side that beat Qatar, so we can expect a backline consisting of Milad Mohammadi, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati and Omid Noorafkan.

It looks like Seyed Mohammad Karimi will start in midfield alongside Saeid Ezatolahi, while Mehdi Taremi could start in an advanced role.

It looks like striker Sardar Azmoun will be starting up front, with Mohammad Mohebi and Alireza Jahanbakhsh likely to flank him.

Possible starting lineup

North Korea possible starting lineup:

Kang; Choe, Kuk CJ, Kim Y, Kim S; Chung-song, Kuk CK, Kim K, Il-song; Kuk-jin, Jo-guk

Iran possible starting lineup:

Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Noorafkan; Karimi, Ezatolahi; Mohebi, Taremi, Jahanbakhsh; Azmoun