Chile dominates early exchanges in scoreless opening against Honduras

Honduras, Chile scoreless after 30 minutes

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Chile had the best chances in the first half-hour of the opening Group H match against Honduras, but the score remained 0-0.

Chile forward Matias Fernandez curled a free kick just over the crossbar in the second minute after playmaker Jorge Valdivia was fouled by Wilson Palacios 30 yards from goal.

Chile midfielder Carlos Carmona picked up the match’s first yellow card for a mistimed tackle two minutes later.

Carlos Pavon had the first chance for Honduras, shooting wide of the right post from the edge of the box in the 18th minute. Chile’s Arturo Vidal headed a corner over the net to the frustration of coach Marcelo Bielsa in the 25th minute.

The 43,000-capacity Mbombela Stadium was about two-thirds full at kickoff.