Denmark and Czechs play out goalless draw

Denmark and the Czech Republic opened their qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a scoreless draw in Copenhagen.

Both sides started their Group B campaign less than three months after participating in UEFA EURO 2012, with Denmark eliminated in the group stage and the Czechs knocked out in the quarter-finals. Their stalemate at Parken Stadium leaves them level on one point with Italy and Bulgaria – who drew 2-2 on Friday – with Armenia leading the way following a 1-0 win against Malta.

After finding it difficult to retain possession at the start, the Danes dominated the first half and had the vast majority of the opportunities. However, Simon Kjær, Michael Krohn-Dehli and Dennis Rommedahl narrowly missed the target, while Daniel Wass and Christian Eriksen were denied by Petr Čech in the visitors' goal. Denmark keeper Stephan Andersen was only called into serious action on one occasion before the interval in order to thwart Jan Rezek.

The second half prompted a more aggressive approach from Michal Bílek's team, but the home side soon reassumed the initiative, even if substitute Leon Andreasen, Rommedahl and Eriksen were all rebuffed by Chelsea FC No1 Čech. Nicolai Jørgensen, Andreas Cornelius and Andreasen again all spurned further opportunities to ensure the spoils were shared.

Both sides must wait until 12 October to resume their campaigns, when Morten Olsen's side will be away to Bulgaria and the Czechs will face Malta at home.