Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 after 75 minutes in their World Cup Group C opener

Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 after 75 minutes

POLOKWANE, South Africa — Algeria and Slovenia were tied 0-0 going into the final 15 minutes of their opening Group C match of the World Cup on Sunday.

Algeria was reduced to 10 men when substitute striker Abdelkader Ghezzal was ejected after 72 minutes, picking up a second yellow card for a hand ball.

Neither side created clear chances in a match attended by French soccer great Zinedine Zidane.

Algeria came close to a goal twice in the first half. Nadir Belhadj’s 25-yard free kick forced goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to stretch and push the ball over the crossbar. Then defender Rafik Halliche headed a shot wide.

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