Govou wastes golden chance as France, Uruguay scoreless early in opening World Cup match

Govou wastes chance as France, Uruguay scoreless

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — France and Uruguay are tied 0-0 in the 30th minute of their opening World Cup match, with Sidney Govou wasting a chance to give the French the lead.

Govou side-footed wide from 4 yards in the seventh minute after good work down the left side by Abou Diaby and Franck Ribery.

Yoann Gourcuff also came close for France with a curling free kick from wide on the left flank that was blocked by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

France keeper Hugo Lloris did well to block a shot by Diego Forlan after the striker faked Bacary Sagna in the 16th minute. That was Uruguay’s only chance.

France had most of the possession, with Gourcuff and Diaby both prominent.