England and North Korea draw in U20 WCup

MEDELLIN, Colombia (AP)—England was held to a 0-0 draw by North Korea on Friday in the opening game of the Under-20 World Cup.

England had the better chances with Saido Berahino, Matthew Phillips and Billy Knott coming close. Jong Il Gwan and Pak Song Chol probably had the best shots for North Korea, the under-19 Asian champions.

England is fielding an under-strength team. About three dozens English players who would have been eligible for the squad were withheld by their clubs for early season training.

The North Koreans are the under-19 Asian champions and playing in this event for only the second time.

The tournament is being staged at eight venues in Colombia and ends Aug. 20.

In other first-round matches Friday, Egypt and Brazil tied 1-1, Austria and Panama drew 0-0 and Argentina beat Mexico 1-0.

At Barranquilla, Danilo gave Brazil a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute with a header from a corner, but Egypt’s Omar Gaber tied it in the 26th minute.

At Cartagena, Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejia made a handful of difficult saves to keep Panama in the match. His best save came in the 54th minute when he pulled off an impressive block on a shot by Daniel Offenbacher.

At Medellin, Erik Lamela’s goal from 20 meters in the 71st minute lifted Argentina. Mexico seemed to have scored in the 48th minute when Alan Pulido chipped the ball behind keeper Esteban Andrada, but the play was correctly ruled offside.