Mexico can’t make ambition count against France, sides level at 0-0 after 60 minutes

France and Mexico level at 0-0 after 60 minutes

POLOKWANE, South Africa — Mexico has failed to turn an aggressive attack into goals, and France is raising its game after 60 minutes of a 0-0 World Cup game on Thursday.

Mexico’s speedy forwards have caused France problems but their shooting has lacked accuracy so far.

France then forced goalkeeper Oscar Perez into 55th-minute saves from Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery.

In the first half, Carlos Vela and Guillermo Franco shot over the crossbar as the France defense started badly.

Carlos Salcido twice exploited gaps on France’s right but fired a 20-yard shot wide, and made goalkeeper Hugo Lloris make a save in the 27th.

Mexico lost Vela to injury in the 31st, and France’s Nicolas Anelka was replaced at half time by Andre-Pierre Gignac.