U.S. Ties N. Korea in World Cup Opener; Day Two Continues

CHENGDU, China (Ticker) - The United States and North Korea played to a 2-2 tie in an entertaining Women's World Cup Group B opener on Tuesday. Two other matches were also completed today in China.

After a scoreless first half, the United States took the lead when Abby Wambach broke into the box in the 50th minute and rifled a shot into the back of the net. But strikes from Kil Son Hui, thanks to a blunder from goalkeeper Hope Solo, and Kim Yong Ae turned around the momentum before Heather O'Reilly capitalized on a defensive error to rescue a point.

The other game in Group B also ended in a draw as Sweden and Nigeria battled to a 1-1 result. Sweden, which is hoping to improve on its runner-up finish in the 2003 World Cup, struck five minutes after the break on Victoria Svensson's goal. But Nigeria ensured a share of the spoils when Cynthia Uwak scored in 82nd minute.

A last-minute free-kick denied England victory against Japan as the two sides battled for an entertaining 2-2 draw in their opening Group A game. Having gone behind to Aya Miyama's free-kick early in the second half, Kelly Smith looked to have won the game for England when she struck in the 81st and 83rd minutes. But Japan won another free-kick in a dangerous position in the final seconds of the game and Miyama produced a superb strike to rescue a point.