Greece hang on for a point against Japan

Katsouranis received his marching orders eight minutes before the break for a second bookable offence but Japan were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority and had to settle for a point.

Yoshito Okubo missed Japan's best chance of the game midway through the second half while Vasilis Torosidis almost scored for Greece shortly after Katsouranis' dismissal but his fierce shot was pushed around the post by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

The win means Colombia, who have a maximum six points from two matches qualify for the knockout stages. Japan and Greece now both have one point from two matches, two points behind Ivory Coast. Greece next face the Africans while Japan take on Colombia, who beat Ivory Coast 2-1 earlier in the day, in their final game.

Japan started the stronger at the Estadio das Dunas without really threatening the Greek goal and had to wait until the 18th minute for the first shot on target but Yuya Osako's shot from distance was easily saved by Orestis Karnezis.

Osoko tried another long-range shot two minutes later while Katsouranis saw yellow in the 27th minute for a foul on Osako and the Greece captain received his marching orders 10 minutes later when he was sent off for a second bookable offence following a late challenge on Makoto Hasebe.

The dismissal appeared to spur Greece on and they almost went in front shortly afterwards but Torosidis' effort was superbly saved by Kawashima.

Greece continued to frustrate Japan in the early stages of the second half leading Alberto Zaccheroni to bring on Sinji Kagawa on 56 minutes in an effort to break the deadlock.

However, it was Greece who should have gone in front but Theofanis Gekas saw his header well saved by Kawashima.

Kagawa set up Japan's best chance of the game on 67 minutes when his low cross found Okubu at the far post but the Kawasaki Frontale striker blasted wide with the goal gaping.

Atsuto Uchida missed another glorious opportunity four minutes later as Japan continued to press.

Greece were having difficulty getting out of their own half in the later stages but despite completely dominating possession Japan seemed incapable of breaking down a resolute Greek defence.

Endo almost snatched a winner for Japan a minute from time but was denied by Karnezis leaving Zaccheroni's side needing a win against already qualified Colombia in their final game to have any chance of progressing.