Romania hold France to a goalless draw

France were 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 finalists dominated possession but failed to penetrate a backline led by Gabriel Tamas. Romania played with usual defender Cristian Chivu in a midfield role as part of a conservative formation drawn up by coach Victor Piturca.


It worked.


"Maybe the French are bored with playing at the highest level and let us Romanians win a point," Piturca said. "My players are exhausted."


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. The Netherlands and Italy are also in the group.


"It's important not to lose to a direct opponent, so you can say it's positive," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "It was not easy."


France seemed intent to control the match early, spreading the ball around the midfield with ease but failing to penetrate Romania's defense. 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 (yards) after good work holding the ball up by Claude Makelele.