South Korea downs North Korea for soccer gold

INCHEON, South Korea (AP) In a game between fierce rivals and amid heightened security, South Korea defeated North Korea 1-0 in extra time Thursday to win the men's soccer gold medal at the Asian Games.

North Korea coach Yun Jong Su blamed the officials for the loss, saying the referees were ''not working in fair-play mode.''

The lone goal was scored by Rim Chang-woo, who gathered a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble and beat North Korea goalkeeper Ri Myong-guk at Munhak Stadium. Entering the final, North Korea had won every game, conceding just one goal.

When the two Koreas met in the Asian Games final in 1978, the game ended 0-0 and the title was shared.

Security for this match had been substantially increased because of tensions stemming from the 1950-53 Korean War that ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

Still, South Korean fans applauded the North's efforts and a contingent of North Korean athletes in matching track suits stood and waved their national flags throughout the game.

This was a game South Korea's players were intent on winning not just because of the opponent but because a gold medal would grant them exemption from mandatory military service.

On Monday, the South Korean women lost the soccer semifinal to their northern counterparts.