Ocampo struck in the 33d minute for her country’s second World Cup goal and first since 1999.

Fara Williams had given England the lead in the 21st minute off a corner kick before a crowd of 18,702. In the final minutes, England’s Kelly Smith and Ocampo both came close to scoring on free kicks.

“Today is a very special day for Mexican football,’’ Mexico coach Leonardo Cuellar said. “I didn’t like the beginning of it . . . I liked the end.’’

England coach Hope Powell said, “I’m pleased that we didn’t lose the game, disappointed we didn’t win it.’’

Mexico captain Maribel Dominguez had the game’s first scoring chance in the fourth minute, but she hesitated after breaking in on goal, allowing Faye White enough time to clear away the ball.

England missed several chances, with Mexico goalie Cecilia Santiago stopping Rachel Yankey’s long-range shot before making two quick saves on shots by Williams.

Japan 2, New Zealand 1 — In Bochum, Germany, Japan edged New Zealand behind a curling free kick in the 68th minute by star player Aya Miyama.

Miyama sent a 17-yard shot over a wall to win it for a Japanese team whose play looked suspect for long stretches. Japan is ranked fourth in the world.

Before a crowd of 15,000, both teams struggled on a day when temperatures approached the high 80s. Japan took the lead in the sixth minute on a goal by Yuki Nagasato. Six minutes later Amber Hearn tied it with a header.

Japan opened the scoring when Shinobu Ohno intercepted in midfield and threaded a pass to Nagasato. New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon, looking unsteady most of the game, charged off her line only to see the ball lobbed over her head.

It looked like the start of a rout, but a goalkeeping blunder by Ayumi Kaihori soon put New Zealand back in the game. Kaihori misjudged a high cross and the unmarked Hearn headed the ball into an empty net. The game stayed tight until Miyama struck with her pinpoint shot.