Wamma! NOBODY saw this coming! In the 1966 World Cup in England, North Korea were the mystery team that everyone laughed at — until they ran out at Ayresome Park in Middlesbrough and SHOCKED the football world. Pak Doo-ik scored in the 42nd minute against ITALY — one of the greatest football nations on Earth — and the result sent shockwaves around the globe. The Italian players were pelted with rotten tomatoes when they returned home in shame!
Year: 1966 Match: North Korea vs Italy Location: Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough Round: Group Stage Category: Upset
The Moment
- North Korea were complete unknowns making their World Cup debut in 1966 in England
- Pak Doo-ik scored the only goal in the 42nd minute of the group stage match in Middlesbrough
- Italy were ELIMINATED from the World Cup as a direct result of this shock defeat
- Italian players were pelted with rotten tomatoes at the airport when they returned home
- North Korea then went on to lead Portugal 3-0 in the quarter-final before losing 5-3 to Eusébio
The Verdict
North Korea's 1-0 win over Italy in 1966 remains one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. A team that nobody respected eliminated the previous tournament's runners-up. The result changed Italian football forever and proved that on any given day at the World Cup, MIRACLES can happen. A truly UNBELIEVABLE moment in football folklore!
Tomorrow: #26 — Stay tuned for the next magical World Cup moment!
