World champions Japan advanced into the quarter-finals

World champions Japan advanced into the quarter-finals of the Olympic women's football tournament following a 0-0 goalless draw with South Africa in Cardiff on Tuesday
reports AFC.

Striker Kozue Ando and midfielder Asuna Tanaka wasted the best chances for Japan, who are now set for a last eight clash with Brazil after the hosts Great Britain stunned Brazil 1-0 with a second minute goal from Steph Houghton later Tuesday.

For South Africa, the draw was their first point of the Games after they'd twice been well-beaten in their previous Group F matches.

Japan were on top from the start and Ando had two early chances as her shot was smothered by Thokozile Mndaweni, before heading wide following a cross by Karina Maruyama.

Mana Ibwabuchi was off target early in the second half and Ando struck an effort across the face of the goal after more good approach play by Maruyama.

The 'Nadeshiko' are now attempting to become only the second side in history to hold World Cup and Olympic titles at the same time in London.

The quarter-final against Brazil will take place in Cardiff on Friday.

Elsewhere in Newcastle, both Canada and Sweden progressed from Group F, after playing an entertaining 2-2 draw. Canada progressed as the best third-place finishers alongside with New Zealand.

Updated: 02/08/2012 11:53