Pak Doo-ik

Pak Doo-ik was born in Pyongyang. He represented North Korea at the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England, scoring the winning goal in their 1–0 win over Italy at Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, a game since documented in the film The Game of Their Lives by British filmmaker Daniel Gordon. The result is still considered one of the World Cup's biggest ever upsets, with Italy – holders of a then joint-record two world titles – having been widely expected to face no difficulty in comfortably beating North Korea, who were making their tournament debut. Drawn in a group with Italy, Chile and the USSR, the North Koreans were based in the north-eastern English industrial town of Middlesbrough during the tournament, playing their matches at Ayresome Park stadium. After a 0–3 defeat against the USSR, their courageous and spirited display in an exciting 1–1 draw against Chile won the hearts of the local people. Their surprising win against the powerful Italians further cemented their popularity in the town. Pak, speaking in 2002 on a return to Middlesbrough with the surviving members of the 1966 North Korea team, recalled that "It was the day I learnt football is not all about winning. I learnt that playing football can improve diplomatic relations and promote peace." After the victory, Pak, who was, at the time, a corporal in the North Korean army, was promoted to sergeant. An original ticket to the match is on display among other historical football items at the FIFA World Football Museum in…