North Korean team set off for World Cup in South Africa

North Korea's national football team has set off for South Africa ahead of the World Cup tournament there in June.

The country's vice premier Kwak Bom Gi joined the crowds at Pyongyang airport in the capital city to see off the players and coaching staff.

After qualifying for the first time since 1966, the team is in probably the toughest of the eight groups facing Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast.

They will play in several friendly matches in Europe later this month.