"Disappointed" North Korea ready for Nigeria

Soccer Betting Lines

09/13/2007 - Chengdu, China (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - North Korea, a bit of a mystery entering the World Cup, has stepped into the spotlight following its surprising tie against the United States.

But the players for North Korea, which is ranked fifth in the world, were not satisfied following the 2-2 draw against the favored Americans on Tuesday.

"I believe we should have beaten the Americans judging by the way we played. We were a little bit disappointed that we could not start the tournament with three points," North Korea captain Ri Kum Suk told FIFA's website.

Although North Korea played extremely well in the draw, it scored both of its goals when the United States was playing with 10 players because of an injury to star forward Abby Wambach.

For North Korea to erase any doubt about its status as a contender following the solid effort against the top-ranked team in the world, it needs to post a victory against Nigeria on Friday in the teams second game in Group B.

"We must reach the second round, and with two games to go we have a very good chance. The first thing we need to do is beat Nigeria," Ri said.

North Korea, which won the Under-20 World Cup last year, featured a mixture of its trademark short, crisp passing and long shots to continuously pressure the United States from all over the field.

The team was bit lucky to score its first goal when Son Hui Kil's long blast went through the hands of U.S. goalie Hope Solo during a rainy opener. But the goal was also a result of the team's willingness to challenge the keeper from well outside the box.

Solo was forced to make a number of diving saves on long shots, including one in the final seconds that preserved the draw.

"If we can't walk the ball into the net, then we have to find another way to put it in," Ri said.

In a group featuring the United States, Sweden and North Korea, Nigeria was supposed to be the outsider.

But the African champions stunned Sweden on Tuesday with a 1-1 tie thanks to a late equalizer from 2006 FIFA Player of the Year nominee and reigning African Woman Footballer of the Year Cynthia Uwak.

"Sure, they are good, probably better than four years ago," Ri said, "But I know we can win."

Sweden probably thought the same thing. The Swedes, ranked third in the world and runners-up at the 2003 Cup, took the lead on Victoria Svensson's goal in the 50th minute and looked comfortable as the final whistle approached.

But Nigeria didn't quit and although it wasn't able to create a ton of shots, it found the only goal it needed in the 82nd minute when Uwak scored. It was just the fourth time in 14 Cup games Nigeria has earned at least one point.

So like North Korea, Nigeria gained a lot of confidence from its opener. That just makes Friday's game all the more intriguing, although once again Nigeria is the underdog.

"This is a great starting point, but now we want to improve with each match," Nigeria coach Effiom Ntiero told FIFA's website. "You have to get better all the time to win a tournament like this and that is what we will try to do."

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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