Japan's hopes of qualifying for the Women's World Cup were put on hold as it shared a scoreless draw with South Korea in Group B at the Women's Asian Cup on Tuesday.
Nadeshiko Japan, the defending Asian Cup champion, had trounced Vietnam 4-0 on Saturday and victory over the Koreans would have booked it an early ticket to an eighth consecutive World Cup.
After winning its tournament opener, coach Asako Takakura made five changes to Japan's lineup against the world No. 16 South Korea. Veteran forward Nahomi Kawasumi, a key member of Japan's 2011 World Cup-winning side, made her first national team start in over two years.