Australia, Serbia at 0-0 after 30 minutes in Group D match at World Cup

Australia, Serbia at 0-0 after 30 minutes

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Australia and Serbia are at 0-0 after 30 minutes of their Group D match at the World Cup on Wednesday.

Serbia began stronger in a match at Mbombela Stadium in which both teams have a chance to advance, and Australia was thankful to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on several occasions.

Serbia winger Milos Krasic fell in the box in the second minute, looking at the assistant referee for a penalty to no avail.

Krasic’s sixth-minute strike was tipped behind the net by Schwarzer and he then failed to convert a one-on-one in the 12th. Schwarzer made a point-blank save on Branislav Ivanovic at 23 minutes.

Australia needs to win and have the result of the other group D match between Germany and Ghana go its way. Serbia might progress with a draw, but can’t afford to lose.