jamiemaher85 Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7975821.stm The national football teams of North and South Korea are to meet in a World Cup qualifier match in Seoul, amid increasing political tensions. North Korea is planning to launch a rocket in the next few days, in what it says is an attempt to put a communications satellite into orbit. But the South and its US and Japanese allies suggest the launch will actually be a test for a long-range missile. The diplomatic stand-off is raising the sporting stakes. Sometimes a simple sporting moment takes on a bigger political meaning, and the football match between North and South Korea may be just such a moment. Neutral ground? The two teams have played each other a number of times over the past year during the qualification stages for the next World Cup. But North Korea's home matches have had to be played on neutral ground in Shanghai, because the North refused to allow the playing of the South's national anthem or the waving of its flags. Relations between the two governments have deteriorated since a new conservative administration took office in Seoul last year. This latest derby clash takes place against a backdrop of even higher political tension. North Korea is planning to launch a rocket as early as Saturday. But the South and its international allies are threatening action to agree new UN sanctions in response. The atmosphere in the ground, though, will be rather one sided. North Korea's travel restrictions on its own people make it impossible for fans to attend, even if they could afford it. During past games, a group of South Korean volunteer supporters has been assembled to provide cheering for the visiting team from across the border. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evertonblue Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 Im watching it. Nil all at half time. Both sides really lack direction when in the attacking third. Not a highly entertaining game. And these 2 are lucky there not in Japan and Australias group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romey 1878 Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/ap...tball-poisoning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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