Les Bleus frustrated by Romanians

The so-called 'Group of Death' got off to a timid start at the Letzigrund, with the French unable to find a way past an opposition who picked up a point they clearly came for.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium, Les Bleus pair Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda having the best of them, as defences came out on top in a match to forget for the strikers.

It was not all bad news for France on Monday - prior to the match, it was revealed that captain Patrick Vieira would be remaining with the squad for the rest of the competition despite his thigh problem.

But the Internazionale midfielder and star striker Thierry Henry, who also missed the match through injury, were sorely missed as the Romanians survived comfortably.

On the evidence of this match, fellow group opponents Holland and Italy have little to worry about, although France can certainly improve.

France bossed possession in the opening 45 minutes but did precious little with it. There was no hustle to their laboured attacks and Romania, who were stingy at the back in qualifying as well, coped comfortably.

The best chance of the half fell to Anelka, who reacted quickest to a left-wing cross from Franck Ribery but could only loop a weak header over.

Lyon striker Karim Benzema drew a decent save out of Bogdan Lobont after being fed by Ribery 12 yards out but Romania, who remained on the defensive, were holding firm with 30 minutes left - without ever looking dangerous at the other end.

It took France coach Raymond Domenech 70 minutes to make his first substitution, Bafetimbi Gomis replacing Anelka. Arsenal-bound playmaker Samir Nasri also came on for the final 15 minutes but it changed nothing.