Korea DPR always bring a well-oiled machine to FIFA tournaments. No matter the competition, the Asian contenders play a game based on diligent pressing across the pitch and a capacity to resist pressure, allied with a counter-attacking threat and a penchant for the unpredictable. An Ye-Gun’s side at the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 are no exception, and in Jo Kwang-Myong they boast their very own diesel engine.

Despite kicking off their campaign with a punishing 5-1 loss to Hungary, Korea DPR have proved in the past that they cannot be written off too early. In last year’s AFC U-19 Championship, for example, they struggled to find their rhythm early on before booking their place in the World Cup with a victory in the quarter-finals – and ultimately finished runners-up. “It’s true that we started off a little timidly in the continental finals,” says An. “I hope that tournament will inspire us in this World Cup.”

As soon as they had secured their ticket to New Zealand, Korea DPR played with a new-found freedom against Uzbekistan in the last four. The Young Chollima dominated from start to finish in a 5-0 victory that owed much to the combustive energy of left-winger Jo, who scored a hat-trick that day to bolster his reputation as the country’s most exciting prospect.

“He’s certainly a very good player,” explains An. “He showed that during the continental tournament. Unfortunately for my team and me, he was stopped in his tracks by an injury this winter, so he’s not playing to the maximum of his potential at this U-20 World Cup.”

I’m a huge fan, and actually we’re the same size. He inspires me a great deal.

“I’m just a link in the chain,” insists the player himself, speaking to FIFA.com. Jo finished the Asian U-19 finals as joint-top scorer on five goals, but he is reluctant to be singled out for praise. “Of course, scoring goals is very satisfying and something I try to do. In fact, it’s the feeling I prefer most in this sport – but how could I score goals without the crucial help of my team-mates? It seems unfair to me to draw all the attention to myself. The star isn’t me – it’s the whole team.”

The evidence speaks for itself, nonetheless. Jo may have put his shyness to one side to argue otherwise, but he remains a special talent. The North Korean No13 boasts a full range of skills, with perhaps his aerial game his only weakness at 5’7. “I just try to rely on the qualities I have to help my team make the difference,” he says. “I think I’m fairly quick and have a certain ability for dribbling.”

That is as far as he is willing to go to discuss his own attributes, but he does admit to an admiration for Argentinian phenomenon Lionel Messi. “I’m a huge fan, and actually we’re the same size. He inspires me a great deal.”

Above all, though, Jo is a fan of his own team and their formidable character, which he cites as Korea DPR’s defining quality. “I don’t think the strength of our side comes down to any of our individual players. And, to be honest, I don’t think there can be another team at this World Cup with a better collective attitude than the one that’s driving us in this tournament. It’s our strong point.”

For the moment, the Korea DPR machine is at a standstill. After their opening defeat, the Asian hopefuls need to get their motor running again, starting against Nigeria on Thursday. Desperate to avoid a total breakdown, and end a run of seven games without victory in this competition, it is time for Jo and Co to set off down the road to success.