Japan fight back against the Kiwis

Japan produced an impressive fightback to draw 2-2 with New Zealand in their opening match.

Hayley Moorwood, right, of New Zealand challenges Kozue Ando of Japan.

QINHUANGDAO // The Japan midfielders Aya Miyama and Homare Sawa scored second-half goals to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match of the women's football competition. The midfielder Kirsty Yallop tapped in a cross in the 33rd minute to give New Zealand their first ever goal at the Olympics. Amber Hearn then converted a penalty after half-time to double the lead. But Japan, who dominated possession throughout, pulled one back in the 72nd minute, when midfielder Aya Miyama slotted a penalty kick just inside the post. Homare Sawa then levelled for the Japanese with a brilliant goal in the 86th minute. Miyama curled a free-kick in from the right hand side that was met by Sawa who finished superbly with a right foot effort just inside the near post. *AP