Colombia and Ivory Coast have gone into half time on level terms after both sides failed to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes in Brasilia.

Colombia created the first opportunity of the match after James Rodriguez back-heeled the ball into the path of Teofilo Gutierrez, but the striker's volley went wide of the post.

The South Americans went close for a second time in the space of a few minutes after some fine work from Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, but Ivory Coast defender Didier Zokora was able to make the interception before Rodriguez could make contact.

After quietening down Colombia's ferocious attacking play, Ivory Coast began to enjoy more possession, but after a sustained spell on the ball Ismael Tiote directed a long-range effort over the crossbar.

However, just before the half-hour mark, Colombia should have gone ahead. The ball was worked into Gutierrez who was waiting in the penalty area, but from eight yards out, the striker volleyed wide.

Ivory Coast responded through the pacey Serge Aurier, but after doing well to shake off the attention of his marker, he could only fire a weak effort straight at David Ospina.

That was the last chance of a half with few clear-cut chances, but Ivory Coast will arguably be the happier to make it to the break without falling behind.

Written by
Darren Plant