Is North Korea 1966 the most astonishing World Cup underdog run of all time?In this Mid-Season Break Seasonal Special, super guest Phil Craig takes us down one of football history’s most improbable rabbit holes: North Korea at the 1966 World Cup. Set against the shadow of the Cold War, we unpack how politics, perception, and FIFA power dynamics shaped their path to England — and why their story still lands like a grenade in the “Table of Greatness” conversation.From a chaotic, obstacle-strewn qualification journey, to the shockwave win over Italy, to that jaw-dropping quarter-final with Portugal (yes, that first-half scoreline…), this is the episode where sport collides with history — and somehow ends up getting adopted by Middlesbrough along the way.TakeawaysHow the Cold War shaped the way the world viewed North Korea’s teamWhy FIFA allowing participation wasn’t as straightforward as it soundsThe night North Korea stunned Italy and flipped the tournament on its headWhat the Portugal quarter-final revealed about their ceiling — and their tragedyThe cultural clash (and warmth) of North Korea living in England, Boro-styleIf you love World Cup lore, sports politics, and proper football-history weirdness, this one’s for you. Listen now, and then tell us: where does North Korea 1966 belong in the Table of Greatness?If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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