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SOCCER : Late goal propels German women into quarter-finals

Perpetua Nkwocha, left, of Nigeria scores from a penalty shot against Barbara of Brazil during their Group F women’s first-round soccer match in Beijing yesterday. PHOTO: AP

Second-half substitute Anja Mittag scored a late goal from a rebound inside the box yesterday to give Germany a 1-0 victory over North Korea, sending the two-time reigning World Cup champions into the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament.

The result gave Germany seven points, only behind Brazil on goal difference in Group F. It also left the North Koreans with three points and a possible place in the final eight as one of the two best third-place teams among the three groups of four sides.

North Korea had to wait to learn its fate from games later yesterday, when Germany would learn its quarter-final opponent.

Mittag, who replaced Sandra Smisek in the 63rd minute, scored in the 86th after Birgit Prinz fought her way between defenders Song Jong Sun and Sonu Kyong Sun and unleashed a left-footed shot that goalkeeper Jon Myong-hui was able to block. But the ball rebounded to a streaking Mittag, who pounced unmarked.

“It was really good work by Birgit, to get by two defenders,” Mittag said. “It’s typical Birgit to go like that and win it. But as a forward, I have to expect and anticipate that the goalkeeper will not be able to hold that shot.”

Germany, which won bronze at the last two Olympics, had appeared content to settle for a draw, which would have also put it through.

The Germans had a significant size advantage, with only two women in their starting lineup under 1.7m, while the North Koreans had only two taller than 1.69m. The German side also had only three women that weighed less than 60kg, while the North Koreans had only two heavier than 59kg.



■BRAZIL 3, NIGERIA 1

AP, BEIJING

Cristiane scored with a spectacular overhead scissors kick among her three goals that helped Brazil advance to the Beijing Olympics women’s soccer quarter-finals with a 3-1 comeback win over Nigeria.



■ SWEDEN 2, CANADA 1

AP, BEIJING

Lotta Schelin scored a goal in each half to give Sweden a quarter-final place with a 2-1 win over Canada yesterday.



■ JAPAN 5, NORWAY 1

AP, SHANGHAI

Japan came from behind to stun Norway 5-1 and book their berth at the quarter-finals.



■ US 4, NEW ZEALAND 0

AP, SHENYANG, China

Heather O’Reilly scored less than a minute into the match to lead the US to a 4-0 win over New Zealand and a spot in the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic soccer tournament.

Yesterday’s victory gave the US first place in Group G with six points, edging Norway on goal difference and avoiding a quarter-final match with title contender Brazil.



■ CHINA 2, ARGENTINA 0

AP, QINHUANGDAO, China

China secured a place in the quarter-finals, beating Argentina 2-0 yesterday on an own-goal by midfielder Maria Quinones and a late strike by substitute Gu Yasha.

The win gives China seven points in Group E and a place in the next round.
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