The Hindu : Sport : Romania holds France in defence-dominated match

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Romania holds France in defence-dominated match

Without Henry, France’s tactical play lacked creativity

— Photo: AP

DESPERATE MEASURES: France’s Nicolas Anelka (foreground) and Romania’s Cosmin Contra are involved in a tussle for the ball in a Group C match in Zurich on Monday.

ZURICH: France was held to a 0-0 draw by Romania on Monday in a defence-dominated match at the European Championship that lacked few clear scoring chances.

Without captain Patrick Vieira and record scorer Thierry Henry, the World Cup finalist dominated possession but failed to penetrate a backline led by Gabriel Tamas. Romania played with usual defender Christian Chivu in a midfield role as part of a conservative formation drawn up by coach Victor Piturca.

It worked.

The best chance fell to France striker Nicolas Anelka in the 33rd minute. After a short corner, Franck Ribery’s cross into the Romanian box evaded everyone, bouncing up high to Anelka at the far post. The 29-year-old Chelsea player had time to pick a spot with his header, but sent the ball over the crossbar.

The result leaves both teams with one point in Group C, the competition’s toughest.

France seemed intent to control the match early, spreading the ball around the midfield with ease but failing to penetrate Romania’s defence. But without Henry, who has not trained in four days, France’s tactical play lacked creativity. The team has yet to disclose the 30-year-old FC Barcelona striker’s injury.

Ribery created the first chance in the ninth minute, curling a pass down the right into space to Anelka, who hit a first-time volley but sent it well wide.

Strike partner Karim Benzema then shot over from 20 metres after good work holding the ball up by Claude Makelele.

Missed chance

While France had all the possession, Romania looked for opportunities to counter.

Adrian Mutu had one shot blocked and sent another wide, before latching onto a 40-metre pass from Cosmin Contra. He headed back to Daniel Niculae, but the 25-year-old striker’s shot from a distance went wide.

The second half was similarly tight, with few chances for either side.

Florent Malouda carved out a chance for himself in the 49th after dribbling past two defenders.

His 15-metre shot had power, but was much too high.

Willy Sagnol tackled Mutu from behind two minutes later and 25 metres from goal, but the 29-year-old Fiorentina striker shot the freekick straight into the wall.

Then, in the 57th, Benzema had a chance from 16 metres after some good work down the right from Ribery, who was increasingly coming into the match.

The 20-year-old Lyon player was unmarked, but shot tamely at goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont.

Gomis makes debut

France replaced Anelka in the 72nd minute with Bafetimbi Gomis, who made his first appearance for the national team last month. He scored twice on his debut as a second-half substitute.

But even the 22-year-old striker’s fresh legs could not inject some energy into the match, as both teams looked resigned to a draw. France took off Benzema and Romania subbed Mutu as each team strengthened its midfield.

Vieira pulled out of training last month with a slight left thigh tear, but was confirmed in coach Raymond Domenech’s squad on Monday at the last minute.

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