Sweden struggled to edge DPR Korea 2-1 in their last group match at the Women's World Cup on Tuesday but that was not enough for the European side to qualify from Group B.
DPR Korea, the former Asian champion, reached the quarter-finals by finishing second in the group following the United States, who defeated Nigeria 1-0 to top the group in the day's another match.
Charlotta Schelin seized a quick advantage for Sweden four minutes after the start, heading home a pass to show bright future for Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby. Only a win by at least three clear goals can Sweden win a berth in the quarter-finals.
But DPR Korea broke the Scandinavian's dream of going further. Ri Un-Suk ran 30 meters after her teammate stopped one attack and tricked one Sweden defender to deliver a long-shot. And full-stretched Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl could only see the ball arrow into her goal.
Lindahl became almost the busiest player from then on as DPR Korean players stepped up offensive.But it was Sweden who broke the deadlock. Schelin again broke through the defense of two DPR Koreans and calmly drove a shot into the far corner of DPR Korean goalkeeper Jon Myong-Hui's goal.
"We expected to score early and we did it. So we feel relieved but the match was evened soon," said Schelin. "DPR Korea is a great team. It will be a tough match for them to play against Germany. But I think Germany will win."
Sweden suffered their worst results in World Cup history. They finished third in 1991, were quarter-finalists in both 1995 and 1999 and won the second place four years ago, losing to Germany 2-1 with a golden goal.
"Today we played a good match, and I'm satisfied with it," said Dennerby. "We scored early and the DPR Korea players seemed to be nervous. But then they have a very nice shot."
"The fact is tough for all of us," said Schelin. "We all cried after the match for we are eager to win and to qualify. Our dreams broke, I just feel hard."
DPR Korea will next take on defending champions Germany in Wuhan on Sept. 22 and the United States meet England here on Sept. 23.
Source: Xinhua
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