DPR Korea shocks Nigeria 3-0 in Group of Death

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, September 21, 2003

DPR Korea shocks Nigeria 3-0 in Group of Death

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DPR Korea shocked three-time African champions Nigeria 3-0 in the Women's World Cup Group A opener on Saturday and striker Jin Pyol Hui scored two and set up another to become the most glittering player.

But the Asian champions are a far more superior side than the scoreline can suggest. They should have scored another two or three if their finishing were better or they had a little more luck.

DPR Korea, who ended China's run of seven straight Asian championships in 2001, showed they are a red hot favorite to progress from the Group of Death, which also includes defending champions the United States and Sweden.

And they are undisputedly favored to lift the World Cup considering the United States and China are both ageing sides.

In fact, the DPR Koreans, who failed to advance from the first round in their first World Cup attempt, had already proved second to none in their very limited appearances in the past two years.

They beat once-dominant China three times en route winning the Asian championships twice and the Asian Games champions in 2002.

They launched all around attacks from the very beginning of thematch, and everybody knew it was just a matter of time for them toscore.

DPR Korea took the lead after 13 minutes when Jin turned well, evading her marker before firing home from 15 meters.

Ri Kum Suk, who had 15 goals in 2003 Asian championships, should have made it two, after collecting a pass from Jang Ok Gyong but she directed her right-footed, close-range shot wide of the far post in the 28th minute.

Six minutes later, Jin was brilliant again in the box on the right, and fired a shot to the near post, and Nigerian keeper Precious Dede reacted quick to collect the ball.

The Asian champions never slowed down in the dying moment of the first half, pushing forward for a second goal.

After the interval, the DPR Koreans raced forward wave after wave of creative play and all-around attack, trying to get a second goal to kill off the one-sided match.

Their effort eventually bore fruit in the 74th minute, Jin tookadvantage of a defensive error to square the ball to Ri Un Gyong, who made no mistake right footing the ball past Dede.

Jin scored her second goal one minute from time, slotting the ball home after Dede had dropped an O Kum Ran long shot.

The Nigerians had only a few chances in the match. Striker Nkechl Egbe hit the side netting in the 6th minute.

Mercy Akide, playing for U.S. side Hampton Roads Piranhas, drove a powerful shot from 20 meters in the first half before DPR Korea goalie Ri Jong Hui tipped it against the post.

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