North Korean Player Stuns Soccer World with Reappearance after Disappearance
Han Kwang Song Returns to the Field for World Cup Qualifiers
After more than three years of going missing from world soccer, North Korean striker Han Kwang Song has reappeared playing for his country in two recent World Cup qualifiers.
In May 2021, news broke that North Korea had pulled out of the Asian second qualifying round for the 2022 World Cup, citing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, there had been no official word on the whereabouts or status of the North Korean team or its players.
However, earlier this month, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced that North Korea had been drawn into Group H for the second round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The North Koreans were scheduled to play their first match against South Korea on March 24, followed by matches against Lebanon and Turkmenistan.
When the North Korean men's soccer team took the field for their first match against South Korea, close observers noticed an important roster change: Han Kwang Song was back in the lineup.
Han, who is considered one of North Korea's most talented players, had not been seen in international competition since 2019. His disappearance had sparked rumors that he had been banned from the team or even defected from the country.
However, his reappearance on the field has put those rumors to rest, at least for now. Han played the full 90 minutes against South Korea, and he scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory.
The North Korean team's return to international competition is a significant development, both for the team itself and for the world of soccer. The team has a proud history, having reached the quarterfinals of the 1966 World Cup. However, the team has struggled in recent years, and its withdrawal from the 2022 World Cup qualifiers was a major disappointment.
Han's return to the team is a positive sign for the future of North Korean soccer. He is a talented player who can make a difference on the field. If he can continue to perform at a high level, he could help the team qualify for the 2026 World Cup and restore North Korea's place among the elite soccer nations.
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