France, South Africa 0-0 after 15 minutes; Gignac misses France’s best chance

France, South Africa 0-0 after 15 minutes

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Striker Andre-Pierre Gignac missed France’s best chance to score against South Africa with the teams tied 0-0 after 15 minutes in Tuesday’s Group A match at the World Cup.

Three minutes in, midfielder Yoann Gourcuff’s pass allowed Gignac to run behind the defense, and he had to time to pick his spot — but shot straight at goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs.

South Africa had trouble breaking through the French midfield, and lumped balls forward.

Djibril Cisse aimed a tame header at Josephs in the 10th minute as France controlled matters.

Both teams took only one point from their first two matches in the group, needing a win to stand any chance of advancing, but knowing a draw between Mexico and Uruguay in the other game would knock them both out.