France's goalkeeper Steve Mandanda takes a shot during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between Denmark and France at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 26, 2018.
June 25, 2018
#WC2018: France, Denmark nil all at halftime
MOSCOW, Russia — It’s 0-0 at halftime between France and Denmark after a low-key opening 45 minutes.
A game neither team needs to win is on track to be the first goalless draw after three dozen matches at the tournament.
France goalkeeper Steve Mandanda came off his line well to smother a half-chance as Denmark’s Christian Eriksen raced to beat him to a well-placed cross on a counterattack. Otherwise Mandanda has not been tested in his first start at his fifth major tournament with Les Bleus, who are resting several starters.
A draw will ensure France, already sure to advance after two wins, will finish top of Group C, and that Denmark is runner-up. Denmark can even afford to lose at Luzhniki Stadium if Australia fails to beat Peru in Sochi.
