Brazil and Germany had a goalless draw in the first half of their Olympic opener in Shenyang on Wednesday.

Brazil's line-up features two-time World Player of the Year Marta, and Germany boasts veteran forward Birgit Prinz.

Brazil dominated the first a few minutes and in the 12th minute striker Christiane received a perfect cross from Marta in the left, but only ballooned the ball over the crossbar.

Germany started to find form and fight back after 20 minutes into the match, with a forward Sandra Smisek's header hitting the top of net in the 23th minute, much to the relief of the Brazilian goalie Andreia.

The two sides fought fiercely in midfield and launched a few more tit-for-tat attacks, but neither side could make their efforts count.

Germany's best moment in the first half came in the 41th minute, when Prinz's shot slipped the far post.

Brazil lost to Germany 2-0 in last year's FIFA World Cup in China.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2008)