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North Korea Blames Lightning Strike for Loss to US

Coach says women feeling effects of June 8 zap

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 28, 2011 5:07 PM CDT

(Newser) – The USA women's soccer team started the World Cup with a 2-0 victory today thanks to goals by Lauren Cheney and Rachel Buehler and, er, a lightning strike on June 8. Or so says the North Korean coach, who claims five of his players were hospitalized earlier this month when lightning struck during a match in Pyongyang, reports the Guardian. All the players are still feeling the effects, he says, and probably shouldn't even be at the tournament.

"It's the first we have heard about it," said surprised USA striker Abby Wambach. The US women next play Saturday, against Colombia. Bleacher Report, meanwhile, celebrates the start of the World Cup with a video celebration of its five favorite solo goals ever. Click here to watch.

United States' Rachel Buehler is congratulated by teammate Alex Krieger.
United States' Rachel Buehler is congratulated by teammate Alex Krieger.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
United States' Abby Wambach, right, reacts after the group C match.
United States' Abby Wambach, right, reacts after the group C match.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
North Korea's Jong Pok Sim, left, and United States' Abby Wambach challenge for the ball.
North Korea's Jong Pok Sim, left, and United States' Abby Wambach challenge for the ball.   (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
United States' Abby Wambach is flanked by North Korea's Jon Hong Yon, left, and North Korea's Jo Yun Mi during the group C match.
United States' Abby Wambach is flanked by North Korea's Jon Hong Yon, left, and North Korea's Jo Yun Mi during the group C match.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
njguy54
Jun 29, 2011 11:07 AM CDT
That North Korean coach is probably wishing he COULD be struck by lightning right about now...
guvner
Jun 29, 2011 1:14 AM CDT
Could have been much worse - they could have been in Uganda http://www.newser.com/story/122124/uganda-lightning-strikes-kill-15-people-in-1-week.html
Rational.-Anarchist
Jun 29, 2011 12:47 AM CDT
I guess as long as they believe something, they assume the rest of the world believes it too. They have to lie to themselves to make up for their insecurity of being only 5 feet tall. Or whatever.
 

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