FIFA.com looks at the progress of Korea DPR, who won the recent AFC Challenge Cup to leap 25 places to 86th on the latest edition of the global ladder.
Korea DPR salvaged some pride from their failed qualifying campaign for Brazil 2014 by recording only their second win, a 1-0 victory over Japan in Pyongyang today.
United Arab Emirates were left rueing squandered opportunities as they were held to a goalless draw by Korea DPR in the AFC Asian Cup.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™
Unheralded 2010 FIFA World Cup participants Korea DPR will not want for team synergy with numerous squad members hailing from the April 25 club.
The reflexes of Seyed Rahmati earned Iran a goalless draw in Korea DPR, who moved level with Group B leaders and arch-rivals Korea Republic.
Japan and Korea DPR seized the top spots in Asia, while Iran crashed to a rare home defeat to Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan cruised against Qatar.
