South Koreans forgot decades-long political tensions, at least for 90 minutes, on Monday, cheering not only their compatriot footballers but those from North Korea waging a battle for a spot in the Asiad final.

The inter-Korean showdown in the semifinal match in South Korea's western port city of Incheon was fierce; South Korea was bent on the seemingly elusive goal of clinching the first-ever Asiad gold in the women's football, while the North aimed to take the title back after eight years in the sport beloved particularly by its "dear leader," Kim Jong-un.

North Korea ended up winning the game 2-1 on a late goal by Ho Un-byol.

But no rivalry was found at the grandstands at Munhak Stadium. Albeit in small numbers on a chilly day after heavy rains, spectators chanted with ardor, "Our team, go for it."

"We don't say 'my' team but 'our' team, which means we back the teams of both Koreas," said Kim Jeong-moon, a member of the South-North Korean Joint Cheering Team.

Some 1,100 members from the cheering squad, organized by some 100 civic groups across South Korea, banged thundersticks and waved blue-colored flags bearing the map of the Korean Peninsula, while holding a banner that reads, "One Korea, unification shoot goal-in."

"True, the sport is supposed to be cold-hearted, but we today have an exceptional case, as we are up against North Korea, which is our brethren country," Kim added.

As the host nation, it is natural for the South to warmly welcome the guests from North Korea, said another member of the cheering squad. (Yonhap)