2 Jun 2003(Mon)

There is always a lot of tension and testosterone around in the buildup to a match between the great historical rivals Korea and Japan.

It's a game neither side can afford to lose, as the winner will be able to walk tall and produce national pride for the whole nation.

The loser must retreat and lick his wounds, and wait for the next time to seek revenge.

In the context of this fierce and often bitter rivalry, there was a touching moment at Tokyo's National Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Japan had just finished their training session, and were heading for the team bus, via the area known as the "mixed zone" where they stop and talk to reporters.

The Koreans had just arrived, and were walking solemnly to their dressing room, ready to follow Japan on to the pitch.

Suddenly, Yutaka Akita saw a familiar face, and called out, "Yong Soo!"

Choi Yong Soo, Korea's imposing center forward who plays for JEF United Ichihara, seemed startled by the greeting, but broke ranks with his teammates to approach Akita.

The pair shook hands, smiled and wished each other all the best for Saturday's showdown.

It's rare to see Choi smile at any time in Japan, on or off the pitch. During the game he remains firmly focused on the task in hand: to score a goal.

This is why he is being paid so well by the J.League club, and he responds by hitting the net on a regular basis. This season alone he has scored nine times to lead the J.League scoring chart.

Choi and Akita know each other's game well, and their own private contest within the match can go a long way to deciding the result.

It is the classic confrontation between fearless defender and fearsome attacker, and both players will stretch every muscle and sinew in their powerful frames to get the edge over his rival.

Choi loves nothing more than scoring a goal against Japan, and would probably trade in his nine J.League goals this season to get the winner on Saturday night.

Akita loves nothing more than a bruising battle against a forward as mean and aggressive and himself, as it brings out the best qualities in the veteran Antlers defender.

When the floodlights are on and the whistle blows, and the stadium is swamped in blue, the pleasantries between the two teams will be put firmly to one side.

But Akita's gesture on Friday afternoon was a great advertisement for the game itself, and for the spirit and character of the player.

ends