Sidney Govou wastes golden chance as France, Uruguay scoreless in 1st half of World Cup match

France-Uruguay scoreless at halftime

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — France and Uruguay are scoreless after the first half of their opening World Cup match, with Sidney Govou wasting a chance to give the French the lead.

France was largely in control Friday and should have gone ahead after the seventh minute when Franck Ribery sent in a low cross behind the defense, but Govou side-footed wide from 4 yards.

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

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