After a first world cup qualifying game between North and South Korea that ended 0:0 in Shanghai - on neutral grounds - tonight's game in the Seoul World Cup Stadium ended in exactly the same way. This time, the game didn't take place on neutral grounds and both anthems were played.
Some 50'000 South Koreans and 500 North Koreans in the audience cheered for both teams. It seems quite remarkable that the people of the two countries that are technically still at war try to emphasize a "friendly game" much more than others - probably going as far as a silent agreement not to score any goals. With something as emotional as soccer, anything else might cause social unrest and compromise the peace agreement efforts.
After a first world cup qualifying game between North and South Korea that ended 0:0 in Shanghai - on neutral grounds - tonight's game in the Seoul World Cup Stadium ended in exactly the same way. This time, the game didn't take place on neutral grounds and both anthems were played.
Some 50'000 South Koreans and 500 North Koreans in the audience cheered for both teams. It seems quite remarkable that the people of the two countries that are technically still at war try to emphasize a "friendly game" much more than others - probably going as far as a silent agreement not to score any goals. With something as emotional as soccer, anything else might cause social unrest and compromise the peace agreement efforts.
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