TOKYO, June 16 (Reuters) - Four-times Asian champions Japan were held to a surprise goalless draw at home by a resolute Singapore on Tuesday in a poor start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Japan expectedly dominated possession and peppered the Singaporean goal at the Saitama Stadium, particularly in the second period, but poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Izwan Mahbud meant the visitors grabbed an unlikely point.
Keisuke Honda came closest to breaking the deadlock in the lop-sided contest with a 73rd minute free-kick which cannoned off the corner of post and cross bar but bounced clear to safety.