Womens 2007 World Cup; match 12

Group B, 14/9/07 in Chengdu.

Nigeria v. North Korea

Nigeria: P.Dede, U.Jerome, E.Ekpo, O.Ebi (L.Cole 30), F.Ekidi, C.George, P.Nkwocha, S.Mbachu, I.Chijine (C-C.Igbo 80), R.Chikwelu (M.Mmadu 61), C.Uwak.

North Korea: M.H.Jon, K.S.Sonu, H.O.Kong, J.S.Song, J.R.Om, K.H.Kim (P.S.Jong 77), U.S.Ri, U.G.Ri, Y.A.Kim, S.H.Kil, K.S.Ri.

Both these teams had managed excellent draws in their opening matches but it was still a little hard to believe Nigeria had held Sweden whereas North Korea had impressed everyone with their performance against the United States.

It was no surprise to see the Koreans dominating from the off and they were keen to test the goalkeeper from all angles as they controlled the first half.

A flowing move down the right ended with the ball being moved inside to S.H.Kil who sent in a dipping drive from 25 yards that Precious Dede did well to tip over.

From the corner H.O.Kong was allowed a free header and she would have been disappointed to miss the target.

Next it was U.S.Ri testing Dede from distance and again the keeper did well to turn the ball over. When K.H.Kim whipped over the corner, however, Nigeria's keeper was nowhere and the defender on the far post had also disappeared as the ball went straight in off the woodwork.

Nigeria were not helping themselves by constantly presenting possession back to the Koreans and this cost them another goal four minutes later.

K.H.Kim burst forward to slam in a fierce drive that brought a great save out of Dede but once again Nigeria were unable to defend the corner.

K.S.Ri rose highest at the far post to head goalwards and saw her effort sneak through the legs of Onome Ebi on the line.

Ebi was the woman who had deserted her post for the first goal as well.

The Koreans seemed to decide that that was enough and the game became something of a non event after this. One effort did cannon back off the Nigerian bar in the second half while Nigeria came close on one occasion with a header just wide but all the action had been spent in the first twenty minutes.

Korea look capable of going all the way on the evidence of their opening two games, however.

Full Time: Nigeria 0 North Korea 2