After Japan edged Argentina 1-0 earlier in the day, the South Americans are the only team from Group A who cannot advance to the quarterfinals.

Thanks to its massive goal difference advantage following an 11-0 opening win against Argentina, Germany needs only a point from its final group game against Japan to qualify for the quarterfinals.

England can overtake Japan and reach the quarters by beating Argentina in its last group game, relying on Germany to beat or draw Japan.

Germany had the best scoring chances in a high-paced game but lacked finishing strength.

"I'm happy with our performance in defense. Up front we did not always choose the easy way," Germany coach Silvia Neid said. "It was a very strategic game. England played very well in defense. They did not allow us any space."

England's defense, marshaled Faye White, withstood waves of German pressure in the last 20 minutes.

The best scoring chance fell to German midfielder Rinate Lingor, whose shot from 10 yards was kicked out by England goalkeeper Rachel Brown.

German striker Birgit Prinz also had only Brown to beat, but shot directly at the keeper with about 15 minutes left. Prinz has a record-tying 12 goals in her World Cup career.

"To get a point from the world champions is a great achievement," said England coach Hope Powell. "They are a great side ... but today we stepped up to the mark."