=== USA '03: Germany runs out to 2-0 halftime lead over Japan ===

Columbus, OH (My Sportsbook) - Germany impressed their will on a more diminutive Japan side, running out to a 2-0 lead at the half Wednesday in Group C Women's World Cup action at Crew Stadium.

Both sides entered the match with opening victories under the belts -- the Germans downed Canada 4-1, while the Japanese pummeled first-timer Argentina 6-0.

Japan was nearly gifted a goal in the 21st minute when Silke Rottenberg juggled the ball on a corner, giving the Germans a nervous moment.

But the Europeans got their chances right away at the opposite end, when Kerstin Garefrekes' header careened off the post. She then collected the rebound to turn on net again, only for to Nozomi Yamago to save perfectly.

The Germans finally powered their way to the lead when Sandra Minnert grabbed a goal on a smashing half-volley from the edge of the area after Maren Meinert turned in a header off the woodwork in the 24th minute.

It was Minnert's 10th international goal in her 100th appearance for Germany.

The goal was a shot in the arm for the Germans, who sent wave after wave of attack at the Japanese defender.

Birgit Prinz, arguably one of the most feared strikers in the women's game, gave Germany a two-goal cushion in the 36th minute when the Japanese defense gave the ball away for Meinert to feed Prinz for a well-placed finish.

Prinz went close again in the 43rd minute with an attempt from the fringe of the area as the sizeable frontrunner gave the Japanese defense fits.

Germany showed their physical superiority from the outset, banging around the smaller Japanese players in the middle of the pitch.

But Japan didn't drop their heads, holding firm as the five-time champions of Europe looked to penetrate.

On 10 minutes, Renate Lingor looked to shoot Germany ahead, but Yamago made a hero's save to keep Japan safe for the time being.

Two minutes later, Maren Meinert tried her luck when she just flashed a header wide of Yamago.

Prinz had an early look in the 15th minute, racing in and going close on Yamago. But Japan fail to crack and are holding their own against the more physical Germans.

MATCH NOTES: Germany earned silver-medal honors at the 1995 World Cup (second only to Norway). Japan's Homare Sawa is the only player of the current Japanese team who participated at Sweden 1995.