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Argentina 0-0 Japan Women’s World Cup: Opening stalemate in Paris

Argentina 0-0 Japan: South Americans earn first ever Women’s World Cup point following opening stalemate

Argentina and Japan got their Women’s World Cup campaigns off the mark
A hard-fought contest ended in goalless as Argentine got their first ever point
Goalkeeper Vanina Correa was called into action to deny Japan late in the tie
Japan are among the favourites to take the silverware in France this summer

Argentina held former champion Japan to a 0-0 draw Monday to earn its first ever point in the Women’s World Cup.

Argentina lost its previous six matches World Cup matches in 2003 and 2007, and missed the 2011 and 2015 tournaments.

In its opening match, Argentina offered little threat but was compact and tough to break down.

Japan’s Hina Sugita (left) battles for a header with Argentina’s Miriam Mayorga (right)

Vanina Correa makes a save ahead of Argentina’s Aldana Cometti and Japan’s Hina Sugita

Japan took until the 50th minute to test goalkeeper Vanina Correa, who stopped forward Kumi Yokoyama’s low shot from about 35 meters out.

Minutes later Japan midfielder Yui Hasegawa botched a good chance, firing left of the goal from close range following a cross from the right.

Correa then palmed away a low cross from the right in the last minute and was hugged by her team-mates at the final whistle.

Japan has just one win in seven matches this year. The national team has lost twice with four draws, including the one on Monday against Argentina.

Asako Takakura, head coach of Japan, looked on anxiously as the match began to unfold