CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 18 (UPI) -- Algerian goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi shut out England Friday, giving Algeria its first point in World Cup Group C play with a 0-0 draw in South Africa.
It was the second draw for England, which tied the United States in its tournament opener 1-1 on a mistake by goaltender Robert Green. England turned to David James in goal for the second game and, while he came away with a clean sheet, it was the English offense that came up empty this time.
It was the second surprising draw in Group C Friday. Earlier, the United States came from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 tie with Slovenia. The results leave Slovenia leading the group with four points while England and the United States have two points and Algeria one.
That leaves Group C's final pair of games -- Slovenia plays England and the United States takes on Algeria -- to decide which two teams make the second stage.
Algeria had just one shot on target while England peppered the Algerian defense with 15 shots, including six on target.
Mbolhi was making his first international start and played solidly. One of England's best chances to score was in the first half when John Terry fired off a bouncing shot that a diving Mbolhi saved.
