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CNN Sunday Morning

World Cup Mixes With International Politics

Aired June 09, 2002 - 07:34   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: The hotbed of international sport, the World Cup, gets injected with the hotbed of international politics. Monday, the United States' soccer team takes on World Cup host South Korea.

CNN's Tim Lister takes a look both inside and outside the stadium.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TIM LISTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It was meant to be the game that didn't matter, but then, South Korea beat Poland, and the United States caused a sensation by defeating Portugal. Now their clash at the World Cup Stadium in Taegu is all important. South Korea is intoxicated by it team's success. Local television shows the players' every move.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was shown that they are a stronger team than Poland, but our team has gotten stronger as well. So we are not afraid of them.

LISTER: Their Dutch coach Hiddinx has almost cult status. His words quoted approvingly by management gurus. He expects an uncompromising match.

GUS HIDDINX, DUTCH WORLD CUP COACH: I expect both teams to play on a very physical way. It will be a battle of also physical.

LISTER: Some Korean newspapers insist this about more than soccer. It's a chance to right perceived wrongs. There's little support here for Washington's hard line towards North Korea.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: our perception of the U.S. has recently gotten worse. There is a genuine feeling that our soccer team must win.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: The United States only tries to protect itself. I never thought the U.S. was like that, but recently, I've been very disappointed by them.

LISTER (on camera): In case passions get out of hand, security around the U.S. embassy here in Seoul is being tightened. Police have vetoed a plan to erect two large television screens right opposite the U.S. Mission. (voice-over): Several thousand Korean police will be deployed in Taegu. And President Kim is not going to the game for security reasons.

WALTER GAGG, SPORTS DIVISION FIFA: Yes, there will be a special organization, much tougher than all the matches before.

LISTER: U.S. coach Bruce Arena is trying to keep the focus on the game.

BRUCE ARENA, U.S. WORLD CUP COACH: We're not aware of the political climate, and don't understand what all the curiosity and intention is about. As I said yesterday, we believe that the South Koreans are our friends and our allies.

LISTER: An alliance which Monday, in the name of sport and national pride, will be put on hold for at least 90 minutes.

Tim Lister, CNN, Seoul.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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