SHENYANG -- Asian champions DPR Korea edged their African counterparts Nigeria 1-0 in the women's football match of the Beijing Olympic Games here on Wednesday.
The DPR Koreans dominated the entire match and the African champions rarely posed any threat to the Asian champions.
"We came into the game according to our plans," said Nigerian coach Joseph Ladipo. "Our aim is to win the game but unfortunately that didn't happen."
"I hope and I believe, next match against Germany will be a different match."
After beating Nigeria and topping the group rankings, the DPR Koreans are already looking forward to next matches.
"The result says everything. We will be prepared for our future games against Germany and Brazil," said Kim Pong II, coach of the team.
The score was opened in the 27th minute when forward Ri Kum Suk, who is captain of the team, chested down a cross from midfielder Ri Un Suk from the left.
The ball bounced into a Nigerian defender but DPR Korean midfielder Kim Kyong Hwa grasped the chance and fired home a brilliant goal.
In the 42nd minute, Ri Kum Suk was hauled down inside the box and the DPR Koreans had chance to consolidate their lead. But Ri Kum Suk missed the target from the spot.
DPR Korea played with pace and rhythm in the second half and continued to exert pressure in front of the Nigerian goal with accurate long passes and attacks from both sides.
The offensiveness of DPR Korea forced Nigerian goalkeeper Precious Dede to make more moves to amend the frequent loopholes in their defense line.
Nigeria's best moment came in the 71st minute when forward Cynthia Uwak nearly leveled the score in a melee in front of the DPR Koreans' goal.
Five minutes before the injury time, the DPR Koreans menaced to score again after consecutive pinpoint passes. But their shot was over the crossbar.
The DPR Koreans out-shot Nigeria 10-7.
Nigeria will face world champions Germany and DPR Korea will take on medal favorites Brazil on August 9.