North Korea Knocked Out of Women`s World Cup by U.S.

It was North Korea`s second World Cup defeat to U.S. The Asian champions were downed 0-3 by Americans again in the Group A match of the FIFA Women`s World Cup in Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.

With one win and two losses, North Korea dropped out of the race, ranking third in the group A following U.S. with three wins and Sweden with two wins and a loss.

In 1990 World Cup, North Korea sustained a 0-3 loss in the opening match and failed to advance to the quarterfinals as well.

The U.S. started the match without several usual starters, including star Mia Hamm, captain Julie Foudy, Sannen Box and Cindy Falow. The home players got off to a good start with 180 cm-tall striker Abby Wambach, instead. It was defender Cat Reddick, however, who stole the day`s spotlight with two goals at 3rd and 21st minute.

Earlier on the day, Swedes defeat Nigerians 3-0, and Russia also advanced to the quarterfinals. The actions in quarterfinals will include U.S. vs. Norway, Germany vs. Russia, Brazil vs. Sweden and China vs. Canada.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com