Soccer: Croatia and Japan play out lame draw

Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata lies on the pitch as Croatia's Dado Prso helps him up during their match this morning. Picture / Reuters

NUREMBERG - Croatia missed a penalty and slipped closer to a soccer World Cup exit earlier today with a 0-0 draw against Japan, a result which suited neither team.

Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved Darijo Srna's penalty in the 22nd minute to deny Croatia in a Group F match between two teams who had lost their opening games.

Kawaguchi dived to his left to block the spot kick after Japan captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto had caught the heels of Dado Prso.

The result left both teams on one point from two games. Brazil's subsequent 2-0 win over Australia this morning leaves the South American champions through to the next stage already on six points, and Australia in the box seat for the second qualifying spot on three points.

- REUTERS