Belgium and Russia locked 0-0 after first half in World Cup Group H match

Russia's Maksim Kanunnikov is tripped by Belgium's Dries Mertens (14) during the group H World Cup soccer match between Belgium and Russia at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, June 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (The Associated Press)

Belgium's Axel Witsel (6) is tripped by Russia's Denis Glushakov (8) during the group H World Cup soccer match between Belgium and Russia at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, June 22, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) (The Associated Press)

RIO DE JANEIRO – Belgium and Russia were locked 0-0 at halftime of their Group H match at the Maracana on Sunday.

Belgium dominated the early possession but Russia's Victor Fayzulin had the first shot on target, forcing Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois to make a sprawling save in the 12th minute. Courtois made another diving stop in the 30th to Maksim Kanunnikov's 20-yard strike. Unmarked Russian forward Alex Kokorin missed with a header just before the break.

Dries Mertens consistently caused trouble for the Russian defense and had three of Belgium's best chances, narrowly missing in the 20th, 22nd and 36th.

Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen was replaced in the 31st apparently with a left knee problem he picked up during the warmup.