BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Germany drew with Japan after a goalless first half at Beijing Olympic women's soccer bronze medal match here on Thursday.

Japan made fierce attacks from the beginning and took advantage over the World Cup champions. Striker Shinobu Ohno curved a nice shot from the edge of the box, which flew over the bar in the 13th minute.

Set-pieces specialist Aya Miyama and defender Kyoko Yano came close on 21 minutes with two powerful long-range shots, but were saved by a focused keeper Nadine Angerer.

Play maker Homare Sawa missed a volley inside the box one minute later.