Both North and South Korea have advanced to the final round of qualifiers for the 2006 finals in Germany, and North Korea coach Yun Jong Su said after his team's 1-0 loss to the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday he would like the two teams to go to the finals as one.

"We are two teams but we are the same blood, the same nation," Yun was quoted as saying by the Asian Football Confederation's official website.

"At the moment we are separate, and I hope both teams can qualify for the World Cup. If we do, the two teams could be unified and go together as one. This is something that could be discussed."

On Friday, You Young Cheul, public relations director for the Seoul-based Korean Football Association, said the KFA would be willing to discuss the case but added it would be a complicated procedure.

"If the North makes a formal request for a unified team, we would be willing to consider it," You was quoted as saying by Reuters.

"But it would be very complicated even if North Korea formally requested a unified team - it would also need the approval of FIFA."

North Korea had already won Group 5 before their defeat to book a place in the last eight, and were joined by South Korea after their 2-0 victory over Maldives on Wednesday.

The two Koreas have marched together but competed separately in some international events such as the Olympics and Asian Games.

They could find themselves in the same group for next year's final round of qualifiers when the draw takes place in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 9.

South Korea have qualified for every World Cup since 1986 and were surprise semifinalists in the 2002 finals the country co-hosted with Japan.

The North's only appearance was in the 1966 tournament in England where they caused a massive upset by beating Italy to reach the quarterfinals.