Switzerland Hold France to a Goalless Draw

The 1998 World Cup winners France toiled against a compact Swiss defense but could find no way to break the deadlock. Zidane playing in his final World Cup showed brief moments of his magic in the first half but looked tired in the second.

The game was played at a relatively slow pace as the players struggled to cope with the hot conditions in Stuttgart. France had the slight upper hand in the first half. The best goal-scoring opportunity, however, fell to Swiss striker Alexander Frei in the 24th minute but he struck over the bar from close range after a Tranquillo Barnetta free kick bounced through untouched to hit the French post.

France came close to scoring seven minutes later when newcomer Franck Ribery blasted a shot narrowly over the bar from the edge of the box. And French fans cried for a penalty on 37 minutes when a Thierry Henry shot hit defender Patrick Müller's hand.

Missed Swiss chance

Switzerland had arguably the best chance to score after 65 minutes with a header from close range by substitute midfielder Daniel Gygax. But French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez somehow managed to keep the ball out with his foot.

France struggled in the second half as Zidane failed to shine and Henry did little up front. Top prospect Ribery, who started a game for France for the first time after impressive performances as a substitute in

warm-up games, showed his skill at times but did not live up to the hype.

Both sides will be unhappy with the fact that so many players were booked in what was a largely clean game. Switzerland picked up 5 yellow cards and France 3.

All in all Switzerland and France will probably be satisfied to have picked up a point but France will have to improve greatly if they are to have a chance at winning their second World Cup title.