Hosts Canada missed the chance to book their place in the knockout stage of the World Cup as Group A rivals New Zealand secured a goalless draw to keep their own qualification hopes alive.

Less than five minutes had been played before both sides were forced off when heavy rain and lightning in the area persuaded officials to delay the game.

New Zealand were the better side when the players returned, but the first clear chance fell to Canadian captain Christine Sinclair, whose effort was kept out by Erin Nayler.

The Kiwis were handed a great chance to break the deadlock later in the first half when Allysha Chapman brought down Hannah Wilkinson inside the box.

Amber Hearn stepped up to take the penalty, but she could only rattle the crossbar as New Zealand missed a big opportunity to claim the advantage.

Canada were boosted by the miss and came agonisingly close to the opening goal early in the second half when Sinclair struck the crossbar with a fine effort.

Jonelle Filigino then threatened for the hosts with a shot which drifted just over after being gifted too much space.

Chances were few and far between in the closing stages as the two sides settle for a point which keeps all four nations in the hunt for qualification in Group A.