England and Algeria drawing 0-0 after 15 minutes of their World Cup match

England, Algeria 0-0 in World Cup match

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — England and Algeria were tied 0-0 after 30 minutes in their World Cup Group C match, with the African team surprisingly controlling a majority of possession.

Neither team had clear scoring chances, but England goalkeeper David James had difficulty punching clear Hassen Yebda’s cross aimed at Karim Matmour.

England captain Steven Gerrard lofted a ball from outside the area that caused problems for goalkeeper M’bohi Rais Ouhed. Striker Wayne Rooney saw little of the ball in the opening half-hour.

James replaced Robert Green after the goalkeeper’s blunder allowed the United States to gain a 1-1 draw in the teams’ opener last week.