The United States downed Japan 1-0 in a crucial group match of the Olympic women's soccer tournament on Saturday.

The Japanese started with their short passing game, and soon found an opportunity in the 22nd minute. However, Homare Sawa's powerful shot from the left corner of the penalty box was denied by the U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo.

The U.S. opened the scoring five minutes later. Stephanie Cox went after a losing ball, and fed a cross to the goalmouth. Striker Amy Rodriguez missed the ball, but Carli Lloyd coming from behind struck it right into the net.

Japan could level the game six minutes later, but Yuki Nagasato's low shot from inside penalty box was wide from the far post.

Japanese started strong in the second half, and replaced two defenders Kozue Ando and Captain Hiromi Ikeda with strikers Karina Maruyama and Eriko Arakawa. However, their efforts failed to make a difference although they created many opportunities.

(Xinhua News Agency August 9, 2008)