DHAKA: Despite playing over half the match with a man advantage, Japan couldn't find a way to solve Greece's defense, and were forced to settle for a scoreless draw in Natal. 

The Samurai Blue certainly had their chances to grab three points, but poor finishing doomed them in the end.

Japan had the better of the play in opening 20 minutes, but it wasn't until near the end of that time that they finally generated a good chance on goal. It came in the 18th minute when Yūya Ōsako took a one-touch pass from Yoshito Ōkubo near to the top of the Greece box, and fired a low shot that was smothered by Orestis Karnezis.

Ōsako was back two minutes later, and nearly gave Japan the lead, curling his shot from 20-yards out just wide of the far post.

The goal simply wouldn't come though, leaving both teams with a point for the match.

BDST: 0909 HRS, JUN 20, 2014