Midfielder An Yong-hak knows North Korea will be up against it when they face Brazil but believes they still have a shot at a shocking upset.

The East Asians kick-off their Group G campaign against the five-time World Cup winners next Tuesday before facing Portugal and the Ivory Coast.

Few are expecting North Korea, who are making their first appearance at the finals since 1966, to come away from their match with Brazil with anything but a defeat.

And though An knows it will be difficult to create a shock in Johannesburg, he does not believe it will be impossible.

"We know that all the players on the team are famous and that Brazil is the strongest team in the world. It doesn't seem like they have any weaknesses," said the 31-year-old, who plays for Japanese side Omiya Ardija.

"Our chances may not be that great, but we can't say there's no chance at all."