North Korea held by host China; Japan stays unbeaten
CHONGQING: Fancied North Korea was held to a goalless draw by host China in the East Asian women's championship yesterday, as Japan surged to the top of the table with its second win.
North Korea, beaten 3-2 by Japan in their opener on Monday, squandered several chances including a 52nd-minute penalty kick.
Japan beat defending champion South Korea 2-0 earlier Thursday to lead the four-nation round robin. China trailed with four points and North Korea with one, leaving South Korea pointless and rock-bottom.
China and North Korea struggled hard without threatening the net in a dull first half.
After the break, North Korean captain Ri Kum-Suk, the Asian Player of the Year, had a spot kick saved by Steel Roses goalkeeper Zhang Yanru after striker Kim Yong-Ae had been fouled in the box.
Zhang also saved a 30-meter scorcher from Ri Un-Gyong four minutes later.
Japan, the world's No 11 team, at times ran rings around the South Koreans, who had to fight through qualifying to reach the four-nation tournament.
Eriko Arakawa opened the scoring with a point-blank header in the 16th minute and Shinobu Ohno rounded the 'keeper to wrap up the tie after 57 minutes.
AFP
(China Daily 02/22/2008 page22)
