Japan drawing 0-0 with Croatia at halftime

NUREMBERG, June 18 (Reuters) Japan goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi saved a penalty to keep his side level 0-0 with Croatia at halftime of their World Cup Group F match today.

Kawaguchi dived to his left to block Darijo Srna's 22nd minute spot kick after Japan captain Tsuneyasu Miyamoto had caught the heels of Dado Prso.

With the teams desperate to improve after defeats in their first matches, the players took few risks.

Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar struck the crossbar while a long-range shot from Hidetoshi Nakata at the other end forced a save from Stipe Pletikosa.

REUTERS KD KP1918