Japan had a scoreless draw with the Netherlands in the first half of their Olympic men's soccer match in Shenyang, northeast China, on Wednesday.

Dutch forward Ryan Babel nearly presented an own goal to consolate the Japanese which have already been eliminated after two group stage losses.

In the 36th minute, midfielder Urby Emanuelson curled a corner from the left to the front of the goal. The ball rebounded from Babel towards the goal, forcing Kenneth Vermeer to make an accurate save.

One minute before break, Dutch forward Gerald Sibon launched a bicycle kick inside the area, but could only find the side netting.

The Dutch need at least win two goals from Japan to qualify for the knockout stage after having two draws with the United States and Nigeria.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13,2008)