World Cup Intel: The Craziest Moments In The History Of The Tournament

North Korea Beats Italy To Make The Quarterfinals

Photo Credit: PA Images via Getty Images

When North Korea made it to the quarterfinals of the 1966 World Cup, beating Italy in the group stage to get there and their participation was controversial. The host country, England, refused to recognize them as a nation. In protest, they tried to ban North Korea from having their flag at any matches.

Before their opening match against the Soviet Union, England relented and North Korea was allowed to use their flag. They got crushed 3-0 in the match, then bounced back to draw with Chile. To get out of the group stage they had to beat Italy. Pak Doo-Ilk scored the only goal of the game and the rest if history!