September 12, 2007	Wednesday	Sha'aban 29, 1428

CHENGDU (China), Sept 11: North Korea gave the United States a wake-up call Tuesday in a 2-2 draw as Japan scored a last gasp equaliser to share the spoils with England in their opening women’s World Cup games.

In the night’s other match, 2003 runner-ups Sweden drew 1-1 with African champions Nigeria.

The Koreans were 2-1 up with just over 20 minutes to play before two-time champions the United States scrambled an equaliser to ensure they took a point in what is considered the toughest group of the tournament.

Fortunately for them, Sweden also drew their match in Group ‘B’, failing for a fifth consecutive time to win their opening game at a World Cup.

The United States and Sweden now face a crunch tie on Friday. North Korea take on Nigeria on the same day.

The Americans were early favourites to win their third World Cup title here over defending champions Germany but they were clearly rattled by North Korea, who have never reached the knockout stages of a World Cup.

Playing in front of a 35,000-strong crowd in drizzling rain, the Koreans dominated the first half, but it was the United States who came out firing in the second period.

Abby Wambach made the breakthrough in the 50th minute, chesting the ball down before firing her shot past keeper Jon Myong Hui.

Disaster though struck just minutes later when the US were reduced to 10 players after Wambach came off second best in an aerial battle and left the ground, her head bleeding.

North Korea took advantage with Kil Son Hui launching a thunderous shot that sailed over the head of goalkeeper Hope Solo for the equaliser. Kim Yong Ae smashed a second four minutes later, leaving the US reeling.

But Wambach came back on two minutes later and the tide began to turn with forward Heather O’Reilly ensuring they shared the points with a strike in the 69th minute.

Group stage results on Tuesday:

Group ‘A’

Japan 2 England 2

Group ‘B’

Nigeria 1 Sweden 1

US 2 North Korea 2

—Agencies