Alogether some 6,000 police and security personnel will be in place for the match Saturday at Beijing's Workers' Stadium as concern grew that Chinese animosity over Japanese war-time atrocities could spill over.

Rowdy Chinese fans have heckled Japan throughout the tournament, booing their players and national anthem, even rushing Japan's team bus in Chongqing.

Japanese fans have had to be escorted out of the stadium by riot police.

"On any given China game there will be altogether 5,000 police and security people," said a senior tournament security official who did not want to be named.

"For the Japan game we are putting on an extra 1,000 to protect the Japanese fans, so altogther there will be around 6,000 on duty."

Some officials have estimated 2,000 Japanese fans will watch the game at the 65,000 capacity stadium although others say the figure is likely to be far higher.

Asian Football Confederation general secretary Peter Velappan said he was confident the security would be sufficient and the game would pass off without incident.

"I'm not really worried about the final. It should be a special occasion for everyone," he told AFP.

"After Chongqing the leaders here took a very serious view. They assured us of the maximum security and I am sure they will keep their promises."

But with the game being shown to some 500 million viewers around the world, a record audience, Velappan admitted that if the booing started again, it could prove a blow to the image of Asian football.

"I am very concerned about the booing, that it will give the wrong image," he said.

"This should be the opportunity to show the world that China is a friendly country, friendly to its neighbours.

"China has lifted the bar of the Asian Cup to a very high level. It has been a great thing for China."

Senior politicians from both China and Japan have urged fans to behave.