Sweden, Switzerland 0-0 at halftime in scrappy game

Sweden’s Albin Ekdal in action with Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka and Valon Behrami. Photo: Reuters

ST PETERSBURG: Sweden and Switzerland were locked in a goalless stalemate at halftime in their World Cup round of 16 match on Tuesday after a scrappy opening 45 minutes.

Sweden had the best chance when Marcus Berg’s shot forced a fine one-handed save from Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer, while Albin Ekdal squandered another opportunity with a wild effort at the far post. Blerim Dzemaili wasted Switzerland’s best chance when he fired over from 12 metres.