Colombia and Ivory Coast goalless at halftime

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Colombia had the better of a goalless but exciting first half against the Ivory Coast in Group C on Thursday and missed a glorious opportunity to take the lead in the 28th minute.

James Rodriguez slid the ball through to Teofilo Gutierrez who was alone on the edge of the six-yard box with just the goalkeeper to beat but the Colombia forward failed to control the ball properly and directed his shot wide.

(Writing by Nigel Hunt; editing by Ken Ferris)