Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - Norway and France are scoreless at the half in the opening match of the 2003 Women's World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Norway dominated the first stanza but was ultimately failed by their horrid free- kick opportunities. Despite the French gifting the Norwegians a plethora of goal-sighted re-starts, France was able to weather the offensive onslaught.

The Scandinavians' best chance came in the 22nd minute when Unni Lehn sent in a cross from the left for Solveig Gulbrandsen to snap off a goal-bound header. France 'keeper Celine Marty was up to the task, parrying the ball over the crossbar.

Marty proved to be the busiest player on the field in the opening 45 minutes, with Norway reeling off nine shots to France's four.

France finally got a chance 10 minutes before the break, but Hoda Lattaf mis- hit a volley on a free-kick cross from Corrine Diacre. The French remained on the attack, however, forcing Norwegian netminder Bente Norway into a superb save on a well- struck offering by Elodie Woock from 20 yards in the 39th minute.

But Anita Rapp nearly put Norway ahead just a breath later when she chipped over Marty's head, but the far post proved the culprit in keeping the match level.