THE GAME OF THEIR LIVES

In 1966, the North Korean football team arrived for the World Cup in England as 1000-1 outsiders. Short in stature, inexperienced and timid before the public, little was known about them and nothing was expected. But on July 19 when they defeated the robust Italians, whose players were some of the finest and well paid in the world, a legend was born. 35 years later, North Korean authorities granted official access to the surviving seven players and their coach to find out what had happened to the team that produced the greatest shock in World Cup history. The result was The Game of Their Lives – “a touching story” (The Times) and “one of the most engaging World Cup themed programmes that this viewer, at least, had seen in a long time.

North Korea’s ageing footballers recalled their visit with affection, speaking frankly and with commendable humility about their exploits. It was moving stuff.” (Scotland on Sunday) “Every once in a while it’s good to be reminded that sports has the power to transcend even the world’s most dangerous borders.” (CNN/Sports Illustrated)