Japan and Greece have played out a goalless first half in their World Cup Group C match this evening.

Greece came close in the opening stages through Panagiotis Kone's long-range effort, which was held by Eiji Kawashima at the second time of asking.

Japan were next to threaten when Yuya Osako cut inside from the left and bent an effort inches wide of the top corner.

The Japanese began to take control of the match and Keisuke Honda saw his curling free kick saved by the keeper.

They were close again moments later as Yoshito Okubo headed over the bar from Yuto Nagatomo's delivery.

Greece suffered a blow in the 38th minute as Konstantinos Katsouranis was sent off for a late challenge on Makoto Hasebe.

Despite going down to 10 men, the Greeks were close to finding the net just moments later through Vasilis Torosidis, who saw his powerful strike beaten away by Kawashima.