Netherlands, Cameroon 0-0 after 30 minutes of World Cup Group E match

Netherlands, Cameroon 0-0 after 30 minutes

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Dutch striker Robin van Persie has missed the best chance of the first half-hour as Cameroon and the Netherlands are at 0-0 in their Group E World Cup match.

Dutch captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst played the ball to Van Persie behind the Cameroon defense in the 18th minute with a delightful chip. The 26-year-old striker controlled the ball well, but fired straight at goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou.

There were few other chances in a match that means little because the Netherlands already has qualified for the second round, while Cameroon is already out.

Netherlands started without Arjen Robben for the third consecutive match. The winger is expected to come on a substitute Thursday, returning from a left hamstring injury.