The undefeated Australians needed maximum points to clinch a place in the final four and put as much pressure as possible on their main rivals Argentina.

Australia have 10 points from four matches and should qualify for the semifinals, with their two main rivals Argentina and South Korea playing later Monday.

Australia and Argentina meet in the last Pool match on Wednesday.

Japan, meanwhile, came into the game with one point from three matches and needed to improve their position for the ranking games later.

The game started brightly with Australia winning the only corner of the first half after two minutes.

But the Japanese tactics were clear immediately - massed defence, occasional breakaways and giving Australia no room.

In the second half Australia again had one corner which was saved by Rie Terazono.

Wendy Beattie had a chance to break the deadlock after 50 minutes when she hit a clear chance across the face of goal but Australia gave away too much possession under pressure.

Australia coach Frank Murray said: "The team was disappointing today as our midfield did not perform.

Japan play South Africa on Wednesday and on form they should win.

DUTCH DOUBLE UPSETS HOSTS
Earlier on Sunday, the Netherlands ended the unbeaten run of hosts Spain with a 2-0 win which put them top of Pool A.

And England drew 1-1 with India after two goals were controversially disallowed.

Both teams had a goal cancelled out, with India finding out their goal by Asunta Lakra, awarded seconds prior to half time, had been disallowed after an umpire conference during the break.

The more experienced Dutch opened after six minutes through Eefke Mulder to take control of the game with superior skills.

Esther Termans and Racquel Hertas were outstanding for Spain but the Dutch engine of Fatima De Melo, Minke Smabers and Minke Booij controlled midfield.

The Netherlands sealed victory with an early second half goal to Naomi Van As who continues to show real class in attacking build up and finishing.

Spain kept trying to the end but the Netherlands delivered a hockey lesson all over the pitch with four corners to nil for Spain.

Dutch coach Marc Lammers said: "This was a difficult game for us as Spain defends strongly. The key to the match was the first goal and from then on the match was won with patience and no mistakes."

Spanish captain Sylvia Munoz remains positive about her team's chances.

"Our nerves betrayed us. We overcame those in the second half but by then it was too late," she explained.

India Coach MK Kaushik, when asked about the umpire's decision in their draw against England, said: "The match was spoiled by a partial decision. We were not told of the decision until we came back on the pitch.

"If you are going to have a TV Umpire the technical people should watch the cassette. I am not happy about the process."