Algeria have held Germany to a goalless first half in their World Cup last-16 meeting in Porto Alegre.

The African side started the stronger of the two, though they were unable to create any real opportunities until the 17th minute when Islam Slimani headed the ball into the net from an offside position, only for referee Sandro Ricci to correctly disallow it.

Two minutes later Algeria were causing more problems for the Germans as Faouzi Ghoulam managed to get the better of Mesut Ozil before flashing his shot wide of the far post.

Die Mannschaft began to grow into the game as the first half progressed, with Toni Kroos combining well with Bastian Schweinsteiger, only for Ozil's resulting effort to be parried away by Rais M'Bolhi.

Hilal Soudani's effort from range very nearly led to the breakthrough, but the deflected effort ended up narrowly wide of the target after leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer wrong-footed.

Despite creating the better chances, M'bolhi was called on to produce a fine double save to deny first Kroos's 25-yard drive down low, before quickly getting up to block Mario Gotze's rebound from close range to ensure that the scores remained level at the break.