World Cup excitement reached new heights in South Korea on Tuesday as millions poured onto the streets again, ahead of the national team’s semi-final against Germany.
Police said more than seven million people were expected to cheer on South Korea at giant public television screens across the country, with more than three million in Seoul alone.
The event is turning into one of the biggest street gatherings seen in Asia.
As with previous matches a red tide swept the nation with millions wearing red t-shirts bearing the slogan ”Be The Reds” or red scarves and hats.
According to media reports, demand for the t-shirts has been so high that t-shirt makers have run out of cloth.
More than four hours before the match kickoff
at the new Seoul Sangam Stadium, about 100 000 fans were outside chanting and dancing to drums and horns.
The crowds made it difficult for people with tickets to get near the stadium, supporters at the scene said.
Several hundred thousand waited around screens in the
Gwanghwamun district and City Hall plaza in central Seoul.
More than 33 000 police were to be on duty across the country amidst mounting fears of accidents linked to celebrations.
”I came here at dawn to get a good position to watch the screen,” said O Chun-Il, a 21-year-old student who pitched up a tent in front of a giant screen at the Peace Park next to the stadium, where some 160 000 people were expected to gather.
”I hope Korea scores a clean victory over Germany today so that allegations of biased referees are wiped out,” said Kim Jae-Bum, 27-year-old company employee.
Spanish players claimed they had been ”robbed” of two valid goals by biased refereeing in the quarter-final, which Korea won in a penalty shootout.
In the city of Daejeon, thousands watched as fans performed a ritual dance with flags and effigies meant to symbolise a Korean victory over Germany.
South Korea’s Dutch head coach, Guus Hiddink, has become the country’s most popular foreigner because of the success of the national team in reaching the semi-finals.
Banners proclaiming Hiddink’s name have been put up on buildings across the country.
”Korea are really exhausted and I don’t think they will be able to display the usual strength against Germany. It will depend on Hiddink’s strategy of using his players who have remained on the bench,” said Kim Hyun-Ho, a 29-year-old student.
But according to surveys, the nation is still overwhelmingly expecting a Korea victory.
The final is to be held in the Japanese city of Yokohama on Sunday and all flights to Japan on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are booked.
Tuesday also saw the 52nd anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean war, which ravaged the Korean peninsula and left millions dead, but the World Cup has overshadowed commemoration ceremonies.
South Korean supporters also dropped a plan to unfurl a giant flag symbolising a unified Korea during the semi-final because of fears it would break rules against banners with political messages during World Cup matches. – Sapa-AFP