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Posted at 6:46 a.m., Friday, September 14, 2007

Soccer: North Korea shuts out Nigeria, 2-0

Associated Press

CHENGDU, China — North Korea defeated Nigeria 2-0 today at the Women's World Cup, giving Asia's top team four points after two games and a shot at making the quarterfinals.

North Korea, which drew 2-2 in its opener against the top-ranked United States, swarmed Nigeria from the start and took the lead in the 17th when Kim Kyong-hwa scored directly from a corner. The arcing ball swerved over the head of Nigeria keeper Precious Dede, who leaped but failed to stop the shot.

The Koreans scored again four minutes later — again off a corner — when Ri Kim-suk nudged the ball home in a scramble in the box.

The United States and North Korea each have four points and an identical goal difference and goals scored in Group B, leaving the top spot in the group to be decided in the final round of group games when the U.S. faces Nigeria and North Korea meets Sweden on Tuesday.

The winner of Group B will face the runner-up in Group A, likely either Japan or England. The second-place team in Group B will likely play defending champion Germany, the probable winner of Group A.

"We still have one game to play and we are not thinking about the next round," North Korea coach Kim Kwang-min said. "We do not care which team we play."

Nigeria and Sweden have one point after two games. The top two teams advance in the group.

Sweden must win and beat North Korea by at least three goals in order to reach the quarterfinals.

North Korea had good support in southwestern China from local fans, and Kim said he expected North Koreans to come across the border to see the next game in northern China.

"We believe will have good support from our countrymen in the Korea Democratic People's Republic," Kim said.

North Korea dominated possession throughout the game. However, after early goals, the North Koreas were held in check by the five-time African champions.

North Korea had 20 shots and Nigeria had 15. The Koreans had eight on goal to only five for Nigeria.