The clash decided which of them would reach the FIFA World Cup ‘Golden Legs’ and late drama had big says in the outcome In 1954, there was a preliminary competition in Asia for the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup™. With Israel entering the European qualifiers and Thailand withdrawn after the draw, arch-rivals Japan and Korea Republic were left in Group 13 to fight for the right to represent the continent. The Far Eastern affair was supposed to be played on a home-and-away basis, but then South Korean president Syngman Rhee was against competing with "past invaders" in principle, and was adamant the Japanese would not be allowed on Korean soil. Ultimately, however, Rhee permitted the national team to play both legs in Japan – but on one condition: "Be prepared to throw yourselves into the ocean if you lose."