Striker Son Heung-min (Tottenham) said on his return from North Korea, where South Koreans recorded a draw in the 2022 World Cup preliminaries, score 0-0, that North Korean players have been aggressive.

"Too bad we didn't win, but the game was so aggressive that I think it's a huge accomplishment that we came back without injuries. The North Korean players were aggressive. It was like war. I haven't seen anything like this in football until now, "said South Korean vice president Choi Young-il.

The historical match between North Korea and South Korea, was forbidden to the public and the media.

The match in the 2022 World Cup preliminaries, which ended 0-0 and was not broadcast by any television, was played with the gates closed at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. The game was attended by the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, who declared himself disappointed by the absence of the public.

There were neither supporters nor foreign journalists at this match. The only information was provided by the FIFA and Asian Confederation (AFC) websites, which were authorized to disclose only a minimum of data.

The South Korean team was accompanied only by coach Paulo Bento and his staff. Before leaving for Pyongyang, South Koreans were asked to leave their cell phones at the Chinese embassy.