Mexico, Uruguay drawing 0-0 after 30 minutes

Mexico, Uruguay at 0-0 after 30 minutes

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — Mexico and Uruguay are in attacking mode in the first half of their final group stage match at the World Cup, but both stand 0-0 through the first 30 minutes Tuesday.

The Group A teams need only a draw to qualify for the round of 16, and there had been speculation they would play cautiously.

Mexico had the best chance in the 22nd minute when winger Andres Guardado’s shot from 30 yards struck the crossbar.

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez latched onto a long pass in the sixth minute that the defense failed to clear and his shot from the right went across the face of the goal.

Uruguay defender Mauricio Victorino’s header went just over the crossbar from a corner kick by Diego Forlan in the 18th. Alvaro Pereira’s shot three minutes later curled wide.