Foes on the Field, and Far Beyond; Fans at Japan-North Korea Soccer Match Underscore Countries' Rising Tensions From: The Washington Post | Date: February 10, 2005| Author: Anthony Faiola | Copyright 2005 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post.Copyright information

When 3,600 North Korea supporters started to beat drums, wave red flags and cheer at the top of their lungs at a World Cup qualifying match Wednesday night, many of the 56,000 Japanese soccer fans here leaped to their feet and responded with an uncharacteristic outburst of emotion.

They drowned out the North Korea fans -- who were protected by rows of blocked seats and police lines -- with loud boos 20 minutes before the start of the otherwise well-mannered match. Deafening shouts of "...