Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 after 60 minutes in their World Cup Group C opener

Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 after 60 minutes

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

Slovenia put pressure on its opponent early in the second half but failed to create chances in a match that was attended by French soccer great Zinedine Zidane.

Algeria came close to a goal twice in the first half when Nadir Belhadj’s 25-yard freekick forced Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to stretch and push the ball over the crossbar, and central defender Rafik Halliche saw his header off a left-wing freekick go just wide.

Slovenia’s best two chances came from midfielder Valter Birsa, including a powerful shot just before halftime that Algeria goalkeeper Fawzi Chaouchi tipped over the bar.