Security has been boosted before a soccer World Cup qualifying match between the national and Hong Kong teams today (Thursday) in neighboring Shenzhen, according to Shenzhen police.

Security arrangements at and around the Bao'an Stadium will be even stricter than those applied to the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade.

Technical workers were installing security doors and luggage scanning equipment at the south gate of Bao'an Stadium on Wednesday. Twenty security doors are installed at this gate and another 10 at the north one.

Yan Rufeng, a security guard at the stadium, said this was the highest level of security arrangements during his time working there. The metro station near the stadium also increased security with two police officers guarding the station.

The game will see more than 27,000 spectators, including 2,000 from Hong Kong, according to Shenzhen sports authorities.

According to Shenzhen police, as tickets are sold on a one-to-one basis - rare in previous national team home games - fans must present identity documents to pass through the gates.

Slogans and supporters' banners with intimidating words will not be allowed. Fireworks and anything flammable are also prohibited. Offenders may face a detention ranging from five to 10 days and a fine of 500 yuan ($79).

During the match, any flying objects such as micro air vehicles, balloons and kites are forbidden around the stadium, according to rules drawn up by police.

On Tuesday, the Shenzhen police conducted a three-hour security rehearsal against possible riots. Special Weapons and Tactics forces were deployed.

The game is the first formal sports match between the national and Hong Kong teams after a series of political controversies occurred in Hong Kong. Concerns were also raised on both sides after some Hong Kong fans booed the national anthem during their two home games in June.

Fans look forward to the game. Su Ming, a soccer fan in Shenzhen who bought a ticket for 480 yuan, cherished the opportunity as the national team seldom comes to Shenzhen.

He also hoped the game would play a role in strengthening relations between mainland and Hong Kong people.

Tougher security checks - due to the match happening on the 70th anniversary of the World War II victory - would not bother him, Su said.

Zhang Jingzu, 29, will also attend the event. He hoped the national soccer team could win and enter the World Cup final tournament once more, as in 2002.

The game is the first home game in China's journey to the 2018 Russia World Cup. The national team, which ranks 79th in the world - 72 places higher than Hong Kong - is seen as the favorite.

The team's French coach, Alain Perrin, said they would try to score as many goals as possible.

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Hong Kong soccer team players throw themselves into an intense pre-event training session at Bao'an Stadium in Shenzhen on Wednesday night. Hong Kong goes into Thursday's World Cup qualifier game against the national team as group leader. provided to China Daily

(HK Edition 09/03/2015 page8)