Tensions run high leading to April 1 match

March 29th, 2009 | by: Laura-Claire | Comments Off

World Cup qualifying started up again March 26. However, one of the biggest matches won’t be played until Wednesday, April 1, when the Red Devils of South Korea play host to North Korea in Seoul.

The first game between these two teams was supposed to be played in Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital. However, the host country wasn’t feeling so generous and refused South Korea’s request to sing their national anthem and show their flag. FIFA then said, “Hey, let’s move to a neutral location.”

Shanghai, China was suggested, and the two teams drew 1-1 in September 2008.

No flag waving for South Korea? No national anthem?

Hellloooooo relocation.

Why the hostility?

Relations are a little better this time, with the game being held in Seoul and no restrictions being placed on national anthems or flags. But it’s still a massive game.

Sure, the South and the North are the top two team in Asia’s Group B for World Cup qualifying, and it’s not just pride that’s at stake.

With the World Cup less than 15 months away, emotions are running high, particularly after North Korea snuck back into the lead of the group Saturday, beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in Pyongyang. The Red Devils played a friendly match versus Iraq at Suwon World Cup Stadium Saturday as well, winning 2-1.

South Korea can climb back to No. 1, should the team win on April 1 and rack up three points.

It’s not just a recent rivalry, either. South Korea climbed to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002, eclipsing the feat of the 1966 North Korean squad, which ran to the quarterfinals that year. North Korea hasn’t reached the tournament since.

It’s obvious the refusal to play the national anthem and displaying the flag aren’t necessarily about football, however, as the two countries haven’t signed a peace treaty following the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.