Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 after 15 minutes in their World Cup Group C opener

Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 after 15 minutes

POLOKWANE, South Africa — Algeria and Slovenia were locked at 0-0 after the first 15 minutes of their opening Group C match at the World Cup on Sunday.

Both teams tried to set a quick pace, but hasty play made good passing combinations rare.

Algeria came close after three minutes when Nadir Belhadj’s 25-meter freekick forced Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to stretch and push the ball over the crossbar.

It’s the first game at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, which was just two-thirds full at kick off.