France draw a blank in Paris

France 0-0 Brazil
European champions France continued their preparations for UEFA EURO 2004™ with a goalless draw against FIFA World Cup holders Brazil in Paris.

Centenary celebrations
Both sides created a number of chances at the Stade de France in a prestigious friendly organised to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of FIFA, which took place in Paris on 21 May 1904.

Carlos close
In a repeat of the 1998 World Cup final, won 3-0 by France, the closest either side came to scoring was when Brazil's Roberto Carlos thumped a shot against French goalkeeper Grégory Coupet's left-hand post six minutes past the hour.

Competitive challenge
The match was played in a competitive spirit, with both sides and the officials wearing replica kits from the early twentieth century to mark the occasion in the first half. In front of a record crowd of 79,344 - the largest to watch a home France international - France captain Zinedine Zidane produced a virtuoso display before departing after 68 minutes.

Goals missing
There were a number of chances in an entertaining first half, and an air of festivity surrounded the game played on a perfect, still warm spring night. The crowd was treated to some great passing and running, but neither side was able to make the decisive breakthrough.

Zidane class
Even though there were no goals both sides put together some great approach work, with Zidane twisting and turning at every opportunity, setting up his forwards regularly but to no avail before departing to a standing ovation.

French chances
Thierry Henry should have put the home side in front midway through the first half but blasted the ball high over the crossbar from close range. Henry's Arsenal FC team-mate Sylvain Wiltord, a half-time replacement for another Arsenal player, Robert Pires, might have done better after a brilliant run by substitute Bernard Mendy in the 63rd minute.

Ronaldo denied
When France did get the ball on target they were denied by Dida in the Brazil goal on a night when defences dominated. At the other end, Ronaldinho and Ronaldo both could have given Brazil the victory, with the Real Madrid CF striker particularly culpable; Ronaldo wasted at least six good scoring chances, although Coupet denied him twice with excellent saves in each half.

Portugal preparations
Jacques Santini, whose side continue their preparations for Portugal with further friendlies against Andorra in Montpellier on 28 May and return to Paris to face Ukraine on 6 June, said: "Both teams wanted to win tonight. Only goals were missing, because of both 'keepers, and especially Grégory Coupet's performance. When France plays Brazil, one expects to enjoy a show and tonight's encounter was a real show."

Barthez 'No1'
Despite Santini's praise, Coupet was humble. "Fabien Barthez is still the number one," he said. "I am glad the public chanted my name, this is very satisfying. Brazil displayed great quality but they could not score. Therefore, this is a positive result."

England opener
France, who have been drawn in Group B at EURO 2004™, begin their finals campaign against England on 13 June, before facing Switzerland four days later and then Croatia on 21 June.