North Korea poses threat to Canada’s chances

KOBE, Japan — Canada is facing a crucial game against a tough North Korean side next week at the women’s under- 20 World Cup after a 2- 1 loss to Norway on Thursday.

Ada Hegerberg scored just after the break and her sister Andrine scored the winner 11 minutes from time.

Both teams are tied with three points after two games in the group stage. North Korea leads Group C with six points following a 9- 0 drubbing of Argentina.

“It was a disappointing result,” said Canadian coach Andrew Olivieri. “There were a lot of promising performances, but winning is part of the player development at this level.”

Canada will close out the group stage Monday against North Korea. The top two teams in each group advance to the quarter- finals. If two or more teams finish tied on points, goal differential will determine who goes through.

Surrey’s Jenna Richardson scored for Canada in the 44th minute.

Canada created numerous chances in the first half, but couldn’t quite hit the target as balls either went wide or into the arms of Norwegian goalkeeper Nora Gjoen.

Meanwhile, in Hiroshima, substitute Lina Magull scored an injury- time winner as defending champion Germany beat Ghana 1- 0.

The United States was held to a 1- 1 draw by China in Group D’s second game of the day.