SHANGHAI (AFP) - North and South Korea square off for their much-anticipated World Cup qualifying clash on neutral ground on Wednesday after a row over flags and anthems forced a shift from Pyongyang.

World governing body FIFA ordered the move to Shanghai after fiercely patriotic North Korean officials refused to let the South use their flag and anthem in Kim Il-Sung Stadium.

The two countries, separated by the world's last Cold War frontier, are still yet to sign a peace treaty following the 1950-1953 war which divided the Korean peninsula.

"It's a shame that the match won't be held in Pyongyang," said Korean FA spokesman Yoo Young-Cheul.

"But at least we will have our national flag and anthem. We didn't want to play without them."

The teams have contrasting World Cup histories, with 2002 semi-finalists South Korea seeking a seventh straight berth and the North bidding for a first appearance since 1966, when they shocked the globe by reaching the last eight.

They have never played a World Cup qualifier together on Korean soil and have not met in the competition since 1994. However they fought to a 1-1 stalemate at last month's East Asian Championships.

South Korea have signalled their intent by calling up Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung, Tottenham Hotspur's Lee Young-Pyo and Seol Ki-Hyeon of Fulham.

Kim Do-Heon travels from English Championship side West Bromwich Albion while Kim Nam-Il is called in from Japan's Vissel Kobe.

Meanwhile North Korea, perennial dark horses on the world stage, are led by Japanese-born target man Jong Tae-Se, whose instinct and ball skills have drawn comparison's with England's Wayne Rooney.

"Jong Tae-Se is a quality player. Our defenders couldn't stop him this time but hopefully they won't let this happen again in the games to come," South Korea coach Huh Jong-Moo said at the East Asian tournament.

South Korea overwhelmed Turkmenistan 4-0 and the North edged Jordan 1-0 in their opening Group C fixtures. The return leg is set for June 22 in Seoul, where officials say the North will be able to use their flag and anthem.