North Korea coach Kim Jong Hun says his squad will receive a warm welcome when it returns home after the World Cup.

Kim's team lost to Brazil 2-1 in its first match, but was routed 7-0 by Portugal, leading to concerns the players and coaching staff might face punishment on arrival back in North Korea.

Kim accepted the early elimination had "not met the expectations" of his countrymen, but said "our people will welcome us with open arms."

North Korea faces Ivory Coast on Friday. Ivory Coast needs to win by several goals to have any chance of qualifying for the round of 16.

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