South Korea is keenly watching its national football team play its second match in the World Cup.

There is a carnival atmosphere outside the stadium

The interest in the match against the United States in Daegu has forced many employers to give their workers the afternoon off.

There is also concern that the game could incite anti-American protests, if the South Koreans fail to repeat the success of their first game against Poland.

President Kim Dae-jung has cancelled his scheduled visit to the game for security reasons.

'Orderly' cheers

The newspapers in South Korea are printing little else apart from football.

Kim Dae-Jung is staying away from the game

Some fans will have queued for two days at the stadium in Daegu to try and buy tickets

Throughout the country factories and offices were expected to come to a stop to watch the game.

Interest in football has risen to fanatical levels after South Korea's first victory at a World Cup in five attempts against Poland last Tuesday.

But there is increasing concern that the patriotism may get out of hand for the game against the United States.

At his meeting with a group of fans called the Red Devils ahead of the game, President Kim Dae-jung urged that the cheers for the home side should be "wholesome and orderly".

He emphasized that the match should not be politically exploited and that supporters should avoid displays of anti-American sentiment.

Demonstrators used footballs to target the US embassy in Seoul

But some civic and student activists plan to do exactly that, by staging anti-American rallies.

Police were planning to deploy around 6,000 officers in the area of the United States embassy in Seoul.

With one of the most popular giant screens only 300 metres away, there are fears that if South Korea loses there could be demonstrations.

The embassy diplomatically decided to close its doors at noon, three-and-a-half hours before the kick-off.