North Korea revived its dream of playing at the men’s soccer World Cup with a last-minute win against Syria on Thursday, a result that leaves the DPRK within touching distance of reaching the next round despite a qualification campaign that has seen several ups and downs.

In a close encounter at Vientiane's New Laos International Stadium, the DPRK came out on top after forward Jong Il Gwan scored the game's only goal in the 92nd minute.