Belgium and Russia have played out a goalless first 45 minutes in their World Cup Group H clash in Rio de Janeiro.

Belgium made most of the early running, but the best chance of the opening stages fell to Russia, with Viktor Fayzulin bringing a smart save from Thibaut Courtois after 12 minutes.

Dries Mertens was down the other end moments later following a bright run from Kevin de Bruyne, but the Napoli attacker's cross was cut out as the score remained level following a fairly disappointing opening 15 minutes of action.

Mertens again came close five minutes later, but he whistled a low effort wide of the post following some slack Russia defending.

Mertens continued to look the most likely as the half advanced, but Belgian goalkeeper Courtois was once more forced into a smart save after 31 minutes following a powerful strike from Maksim Kanunnikov.

The best opportunity of the half fell to Aleksandr Kokorin after 44 minutes, but the Russian forward somehow clipped his header wide of the post from close range.

Written by
Matt Law