The visitors needed just a point at King Fahd International Stadium to be assured of taking the second automatic spot in Group B while Saudi Arabia needed to take all three and unsurprisingly they attacked from the outset.

However, the hosts were undone by a mixture of profligacy and a fine display from goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk as DPR Korea held out for the draw to earn their first appearance at a World Cup finals since 1966.

“We battled to qualify for the World Cup finals and I would like to thank my players for the great performance that they showed during the whole match,” said Kim.

“It was so hot in Saudi Arabia and as you know the journey from Korea was long but our belief in the ability of the players snatched the ticket to South Africa.

“We focused on the defending as we had come under a lot of pressure from the Saudis and I think our preparation for the game was one factor that earned the victory tonight.

“We monitored the Saudi team from the beginning of our campaign and I noticed that they have a problem in finding good strikers.”

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, must now focus on their two-legged play-off clash with Bahrain in September, where they will look to maintain their bid for a place at the World Cup.

The victor of that game will face New Zealand with winner of that clash earning the trip to South Africa.

And coach Jose Peseiro admitted that while he shares the Saudi fans sadness at missing out on automatic qualification, he remains confident his side will still qualify.

“I admit that we did not do well during the game and the performance that my players showed was not as expected,” he said.

“It was a game against a strong team who just came here to bag one point, and they did. I think it is a historical moment for the Koreans.

“I told the players that it was my responsibility. I told them before the game to battle and try and but they missed and created many scoring chances.

“I believe we have another more chance to reach South Africa and we will do our best to achieve this goal. I am not Saudi but I feel how sad the Saudi fans. I am sure we will qualify.

“Our next target is Bahrain and we have enough time to prepare for this game.”