Nasri shines in France's friendly stroll

After firing blanks in their Group C opener against Romania on Monday, France found their scoring form in a training match against a regional youth team in Chatel-Saint-Denis.

Seven goals
France coach Raymond Domenech gave the players that did not start in Zurich an opportunity to display their quality against an Under-18 side selected from the junior ranks of Neuchâtel Xamax FC and FC Fribourg. While the pace of the 45-minute game was gentle, the 7-0 scoreline will not have harmed French morale ahead of Friday's key game with the Netherlands.

Henry on target
Samir Nasri, a second-half substitute against Romania, impressed the most, scoring his team's first and third goals and having a hand in two others. Patrice Evra, Lassana Diarra, Sidney Govou and Bafetimbi Gomis were also on target - as was Thierry Henry who looked in good shape despite missing Monday's match with a thigh strain.

Vieira progress
Captain Patrick Vieira, who has also been nursing a thigh injury, looks to be making good progress too, operating alongside Diarra in central midfield for the entire contest. Only Steve Mandanda did not feature in either the training game or the match against Romania, with Sébastien Frey keeping goal on Tuesday and making two sharp saves as the young Swiss side gave a good account of themselves.