Sweden holds Japan to 0-0 draw at Olympics

Posted Saturday, July 28, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Sweden held world champion Japan to a 0-0 draw Saturday in the teams' second game of the women's Olympic football tournament.

The result leaves Sweden on top of Group F on goal difference, with Japan in second place. Canada plays South Africa later Saturday in the second Group F game of the day.

Japan created a multitude of chances - especially in the second half - but were unable to take advantage, with Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl making several saves to keep the game scoreless.

Yuki Ogimi had the first attempt on goal with an acrobatic volley which failed to hit the target. Caroline Seger had the best chance for Sweden in the first half, when her powerful shot was blocked by Homare Sawa for a corner.

Japan came out with more attacking intent in the second half, and Lindahl had to make her first real save just two minutes after the break on a stinging shot from Nahomi Kawasumi.

Lindahl was forced into action again two minutes later, when some intricate link up play ended with an effort on target from Sawa.

Shinobu Ohno had two opportunities to score, but her weak efforts were too easy for Lindahl.

Sweden created few chances in the second half, with Lotta Schelin's effort stopped by Fukumoto in the 70th and substitute Kosovare Asllani heading wide of the goal three minutes later.

The game at the City of Coventry Stadium was a rematch of the 2011 World Cup semifinal, which Japan won 3-1.