Updated

Colombia striker Teofilo Gutierrez spurned the best chance of the first half to leave his team locked at 0-0 with Ivory Coast at halftime in a Group C game at the World Cup.

James Rodriguez's cross in the 28th minute fell perfectly for Gutierrez just outside the six-yard box, but he miscued his volley and it skewed wide.

That was the only clear-cut chance of a cagey game — played Thursday in front of a partisan pro-Colombian crowd — between two teams which opened with wins in Brazil.

Effectively playing an away match, the Ivorians only threatened with long-range efforts by Cheikh Tiote and Serge Aurier. Didier Drogba was again on the bench for the African side.