CHENGDU, China -- North Korea defeated Nigeria 2-0 Friday in

the Women's World Cup, giving Asia's top team four points after two

games and a shot at making the quarterfinals.

North Korea, which drew 2-2 in its opener against top-ranked

United States, was swarming Nigeria from the start and took a lead

in the 17th minute when Kim Kyong-hwa scored directly from a

corner. The arcing ball swerved over the head of Nigeria keeper

Precious Dede, who leaped but failed to stop the shot.

The Koreans scored again four minutes later -- again off a

corner.

The team's top striker, Ri Kim-suk, nudged the ball home in a

scramble in the box.

The Unites States and North Korea each have four points and

identical goal difference and goals scored in Group B, leaving the

top spot in the group to be decided in the final round of group

games. The U.S. faces Nigeria and North Korea meets Sweden on

Tuesday.

Nigeria and Sweden have one point after two games. The top two

teams advance in the group.

Sweden must win and overtake the Koreans on goal difference to

reach the quarterfinals.

North Korea dominated possession throughout the game. However,

after the early goals, the North Koreas were held in check by the

five-time African champions.