England 0 Germany 0: England defy world champions to keep hopes alive

Hope Powell praised her players' tenacity after they held defending world champions Germany to a goalless draw in their second group game at the 2007 World Cup.

After a 2-2 draw in their opening game against Japan on Tuesday, England knew they needed a result to keep alive their hopes of progressing in only their second World Cup appearance.

With Japan having beaten Argentina 1-0 earlier in the evening, a defeat to Germany – who beat Argentina 11-0 in the tournament's opening game – would have severely dented England's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. But Powell's side put in a battling display to thwart the German attack at the Hongkou Football Stadium.

"I think the performance was excellent," said Powell. "It was tough for us as Germany are a great team. In this tournament a point against the world champions is a great achievement. The girls worked so hard and played so well.

"We got a point and though I would have liked three I am happy with a point. We now have to refocus; we have an important game against Argentina, which will be tough."

After the outstanding performance of Kelly Smith in the previous game, it was the captain Faye White's turn to rise to the fore as she time and again snuffed out the Germany attack.

But Powell insisted England never rely on the performance of one player, instead highlighting the contribution of the team as a whole in working together to get the result. "I have always said from the outset that this England team is never about one player," she added. "Sometimes a player catches the limelight, like Kelly in the last game but without the team they will not be able to shine."

England: Brown, A Scott, Phillip, Asante, Stoney, Chapman, White, Williams, K Smith, J Scott, Carney (Yankey, 57).

Booked: Chapman, Williams.

Germany: Angerer, Stegemann, Hingst, Krahn, Bresonik, Behringer (Bajramaj, 63), Lingor, Laudehr, Garefrekas, Smisek, Prinz.

Booked: Krahn, Laudehr, Bajramaj.

Referee: Jenny Palmqvist (Sweden).