France play out dull draw with Romania

Les Bleus are now facing a tough challenge as they still have to clash with Holland and France, who play later on Monday.

Besides missing injured captain Patrick Vieira, France's starting line-up did not include the name of Thierry Henry as he was still unfit with a sciatic nerve problem.

Raymond Domenech fielded in Nicolas Anelka to partner Karim Benzema upfront, while Jeremy Toulalan deputized for Vieira in midfield.

France struggled to work a breakthrough against a mulish Romania defense, who hardly gave the French strikers a sight on goal.

Anelka was closest to finding the target though, but his close-range header swung over Bogdan Lobont's bar.

More Dullness

The second half did not bring much action, despite a courageous start from France, including early attempts from Florent Malouda and Benzema.

The France coach brought in Bafetimbi Gomis and Samir Nasri for Anelka and Benzema, but his tactical alterations went in vain.

On the other hand, Romania did not seem to be interested in threatening Gregory Coupet, who hardly moved a muscle throughout the game.