Kirsty Yallop's 37th-minute goal gave New Zealand a 1-0 lead over Japan after the first half of their Olympic women's soccer tournament in Qinhuangdao on Wednesday.

Japanese striker Shinobu Ohno had several chances but failed to send the ball into the net. Her first shot after 17 minutes was narrowly wide while the second 16 minutes later was saved by New Zealand's goalkeeper.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)