Summary
16 June 2010
It's almost impossible for most North Koreans to follow their team's progress in the World Cup because the media is very tightly controlled there. Live match coverage is unlikely during the tournament.

Reporter:
John Sudworth

ReportNorth Korea, of course, hasn't sent any fans to South Africa. Such are the restrictions it places on freedom of movement that there is no such thing as a North Korean tourist. And the single, government-run, TV channel rarely broadcasts live international games, perhaps because it risks allowing pictures of people protesting against the country's human rights record onto the airwaves. But citizens who do have access to a TV set - ownership is patchy outside the capital Pyongyang - probably will get to see the games, albeit in recorded form.

The North Korean leader is also, it seems, taking an interest in the progress of the team. According to officials from the North Korean Football Association, Kim Jong-il has given them in-depth guidance and proposed "tactics most relevant for the characteristics of Korean players."

If they do receive a humiliating drubbing it might just mean that the TV schedulers suddenly can't find room for the games after all.

the restrictions it places on freedom of movement
the rules and regulations which limit where people can go

there is no such thing as a North Korean tourist
North Korean tourists do not exist

live
as it happens in real time, not delayed or shown after it happens

onto the airwaves
broadcast on TV

ownership is patchy
only a few people own or have

albeit in recorded form
although only broadcast after the games have already been played

in-depth guidance
very detailed advice

tactics
strategies or planned ways of doing something (here, playing football)

a humiliating drubbing
a very embarrassing defeat or loss

can't find room for
aren't able to make space for