North joins South in 2010 finals

RIYADH - DPR Korea have reached the World Cup finals for the first time since 1966 after battling to a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia at King Fahd International Stadium.

After Iran had failed to beat Korea Republic earlier in the day, a win for either side would see them take the second automatic spot in Group B.

Saudi Arabia dominated for the vast majority of the game but found themselves up against goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk, who was in top form throughout.

The visitors had Kim Yong-jun sent off deep in injury time but they held firm in the remaining minutes to secure the vital point.

The results means DPR Korea take second place behind neighbours Korea Republic and will be in South Africa next year.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, will tackle Bahrain in September in a two-legged clash in September with the winner of that game playing New Zealand for a place at the World Cup.

Naif Hazazi was to prove a constant thorn in the Korean defence throughout and was only denied the opening goal by Ri shortly before the half-hour mark when his powerful drive was well saved by the shot-stopper.

DPR Korea had spent the vast majority of the first-half on the defence but had a fine chance to score when Jong Tae-se struck a low effort that Abdullah Waleed did well to deny.

But action once again swung back to the other end of the pitch as this time Yasser Al Qahtani found himself free inside the area but saw his shot saved by Ri.

The visitors had only their second notable chance of the game midway through the second half when Pak Nam-chol brought a diving save from Waleed with a fine drive from distance.

As the game headed towards the final whistle the hosts began to pour forward in desperate search of the vital winner.

Mohammad Al Shalhoub saw his long-range effort blocked by the Korean defence before Nassir Al Shamrani could only send his shot high and wide after breaking into the area.

Despite the hosts’ dominance, DPR Korea almost scored shortly before full time when substitute Kim Kum-il was unmarked inside the area but shot straight into the hands of Waleed.

DPR Korea had Kim Yong-jun sent off in stoppage-time but it mattered little as they held on for the crucial point.

AFC