New Zealand-Slovakia 0-0 at halftime in World Cup match

NZealand-Slovakia 0-0 at halftime in WCup match

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — Slovakia and New Zealand are at halftime tied 0-0 in their World Cup match Tuesday.

Slovakia captain Marek Hamsik nearly gave his team the lead before the whistle. Hamsik had a long range shot tipped over the crossbar in the 43rd minute.

Slovakia’s Stanislav Sestak and Robert Vittek both had shots that flashed wide of the right post, but the Slovaks’ best chance came when New Zealand goalkeeper Mark Paston miskicked a clearance, allowing Vittek to run on an open goal before the defense stopped him.

New Zealand had an early shot on target with Chris Killen’s header, and an even better opportunity in the 37th minute when Rory Fallon sent in Shane Smeltz. With only the keeper to beat, he shot into the side netting.