Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 at halftime in their World Cup Group C opener

Algeria, Slovenia 0-0 at halftime

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

Algeria had a scoring chance in the third minute when Nadir Belhadj’s 25-yard freekick forced Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to stretch and push the ball over the crossbar.

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.

Central defender Rafik Halliche came closest for Algeria when his header off a left-wing freekick went just wide.