Netherlands-Slovakia 0-0 after 15 minutes of 2nd-round match at World Cup

Netherlands, Slovakia 0-0 after 15 minutes

DURBAN, South Africa — Slovakia is holding the Netherlands 0-0 after 15 minutes of their second-round World Cup match.

Dutchman Robin van Persie headed wide at close range in the 7th minute, while Wesley Sneijder shot straight at the Slovak keeper 3 minutes later.

The Slovaks also pushed forward, testing goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg with long-range shots. Early tries by Erik Jendrisek and Marek Hamsik were off-target.

Arjen Robben started for the Netherlands’ for the first time at this tournament, to the delight of Dutch fans at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss fielded his son, also Vladimir, to replace suspended midfielder Zdeno Strba.