North Korea Draws 0-0 with Nantes

In its first game in Europe in 43 years, North Korea played to a 0-0 tie Friday with the French second-division club Nantes.

The North Koreans are in France in preparation for next year's World Cup. This is North Korea's first appearance in Europe since its epic run at the 1966 World Cup in England, where it ousted Italy on the way to the quarterfinals before losing 5-3 to Portugal.

"I'm happy because my team was without six regular starters," North Korea coach Kim Jong Hun said.

North Korea never threatened Nantes, which was without its international players.

"North Korea is a good team," Nantes coach Gernot Rohr said. "Some people might say that this team is weak, but they gave us a fierce challenge. I'm happy with this result."

North Korea will play another exhibition game Tuesday against the Republic of Congo at Le Mans. Ranked 90th in the world by FIFA, North Korea qualified for the World Cup by finishing second in its group behind South Korea.