Spain, Portugal level at 0-0 after 60 minutes of World Cup 2nd-round match

Spain, Portugal level at 0-0 in 2nd half

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Spain and Portugal are tied 0-0 after 60 minutes of their second-round World Cup match.

Portugal nearly broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when striker Hugo Almeida’s pass deflected off Spain defender Carlos Puyol. But the ball rolled wide.

Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas then had to punch clear a dangerous cross in the 57th minute.

The Spain attack created chances early in the match through Fernando Torres and David Villa, with Portuguese goalkeeper Eduardo making a series of fine saves.

Portugal’s best first-half chance came in the 21st minute, when Casillas punched away a Tiago shot and then had to clear it off his line ahead of the hard-charging Hugo Almeida.

Cristiano Ronaldo also had a dipping free kick well saved by Casillas.