Women's World Cup: Argentina hold Japan for first point - BBC Sport
Japan begin their quest to reach a third straight World Cup final with a disappointing goalless draw against outsiders Argentina.
Last updated on .From the section Women's Football

Japan began their quest to reach a third straight final with a poor goalless draw as Argentina earned their first ever point at a World Cup.

The Japanese won the tournament in 2011 by beating the United States, who gained revenge four years later.

An uninspiring contest saw Japan's Yui Hasegawa screw a shot wide from a promising position in the second half - the closest either side came to a goal.

The draw leaves England top of Group D after they beat Scotland on Sunday.

And Phil Neville's side will be confident of collecting another three points when they face the Argentines on Friday (kick-off 20:00 BST), while Japan face Scotland (14:00).

Coming into the tournament, Carlos Borello's team were 500-1 outsiders to lift the trophy and had a wretched World Cup record, having lost all six of their previous games.

They finished bottom of their group on both previous occasions they had reached the finals, and their delight at the draw was clear to see, with players embracing each other and substitutes running onto the pitch to join in.

Although Japan dominated the match in Paris and had 72% possession, they were kept at bay by the dogged Argentine defence, with Yuika Sugasawa shooting wide from an angle after Kumi Yokoyama's long range shot was parried.

Neither side had a shot on target in the first half, with Argentina striker Flor Bonsegundo's tame strike straight at goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita their best effort on goal.
• None This was only the seventh 0-0 draw in Women's World Cup history and the first for either of these sides.
• None There had been a goal in 40 consecutive games prior to today, with the last 0-0 draw between the United States and Sweden in the 2015 group stage.
• None Argentina kept their first-ever clean sheet at the tournament. They had previously conceded an average of 5.5 goals per game.
• None This was a vast improvement for Argentina on their last opening game in 2007 when they lost 11-0 to Germany.
• None Argentina had only one shot on target, in the 73rd minute - the latest a side has had to wait for a shot on target at the tournament.
• None Argentina did not have a touch in Japan's box until the 65th minute.
• None Mana Iwabuchi came on to make her 11th appearance at the World Cup for Japan - all off the bench - a record for substitute appearances.
• None Attempt saved. Yui Hasegawa (Japan) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the centre of the goal.
• None Delay over. They are ready to continue.
• None Delay in match because of an injury Sole Jaimes (Argentina).
• None Attempt missed. Hina Sugita (Japan) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
• None Attempt missed. Mariela Coronel (Argentina) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Eliana Stabile with a cross following a set piece situation.
• None Mana Iwabuchi (Japan) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
• None Attempt missed. Mariana Larroquette (Argentina) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Sole Jaimes.
• None Attempt blocked. Sole Jaimes (Argentina) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
• None Attempt saved. Flor Bonsegundo (Argentina) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Navigate to the next page Navigate to the last page