Belgium and South Korea locked 0-0 after first half in final World Cup Group H match

SAO PAULO – Belgium and South Korea were locked 0-0 at halftime of their Group H match in Sao Paulo Thursday.

Both teams had chances to score with Dries Mertens shooting high when he was wide open inside the area in the 25th minute. Five minutes later, South Korea nearly scored but Ki Sung-yeung's drive was denied by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. A minute later Belgium had to make another goal-line clearance.

Belgium was reduced to 10 men just before the break when Steven Defour was sent off for a two-footed challenge.

Belgium has already clinched a spot in the second round and was resting many of its stars. South Korea has a slim chance of advancing but needs a big win against Belgium a favorable result from the Algeria-Russia game.