LIVE: Mun raises Chollima hopes

Korea DPR beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Pyongyang to give their hopes of reaching the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ a significant lift. Mun In-Guk scored the only goal in the 28th minute to send Kim Jong-Hun's side level on seven points with Asian Zone qualifying, Group 2 leaders Korea Republic, who face Iran, on five points, later today.

The result left the Saudis on four points, and with a mountain to climb to clinch the top-two finish that would guarantee them a place at South Africa 2010. The third-placed teams in the two sections will compete for the right to play off against New Zealand for a place at the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Over 70,000 fans packed the Kim Il Sung stadium to its capacity, despite the cold, cloudy conditions, and they were quickly engrossed by an end-to-end contest. After both teams had spurned chances, Korea DPR opened the scoring when Hong Yong-Jo's through-ball was deflected into the path of Mun, who coolly stroked the ball past the Saudi goalkeeper Waleed Ali.

The Chollima continued to press the action, and Jong Tae Se's exquisite overhead-kick forced Ali into an impressive save on the stroke of half-time.

Saudi Arabia took the game to their hosts following the interval, but they found goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk in inspired form. His finest act came in the 84th minute, when he splendidly punched away a goal-bound Yasser Al Qahtani effort.