Scoreless again
France extends World Cup goal drought, ties Swiss
STUTTGART, Germany (AP) -- France still can't score in the World Cup.
The star-studded French were held to a 0-0 tie by Switzerland on Tuesday, bringing back memories of their horrid World Cup 2002 performance, when Les Bleus were knocked out in the first round without finding the net.
The last time the French scored in a World Cup game was when they beat Brazil 3-0 in the 1998 final at Stade de France. They lost 1-0 to Senegal and 2-0 to Denmark at the 2002 championship and were held 0-0 by Uruguay.
The Swiss also held the French to draws in qualifying games and this result could have been even worse for Raymond Domenech's team.
"We know that team all too well," Domenech said. "It's the sort of match we expected. We could have beaten them in the first half, they could have won the match in the second half."
"This was a high-level match from both teams."
Alexander Frei had a wonderful chance to win it for the Swiss when he leaped to meet a free kick from Ludovic Magnin. Instead of heading the ball, the striker tried to punch it home from 3 yards and was given a yellow card for cheating.
"We knew it would not be easy, but we managed to take two points off a direct rival," Domenech said of the one point the Swiss got instead of three for a win. "I regret that we did not score when had the chance, but we are always at the mercy of these things. The refereeing was not always understandable, even though it is top-level refereeing. It's a shame, but we have to put up with it."
Despite being forced to play as a lone striker, Thierry Henry came close with three shots and a header in the first half, while Zinedine Zidane's deft touches set up the best French moves.
But the Swiss almost went ahead in the 23rd minute when Tranquillo Barnetta fired a free kick into the goal area, Philippe Senderos and Alexander Frei both failed to get a touch in front of goal and the ball struck the post.
Fabien Barthez, one of five current French World Cup players who were on the 1998 winning squad, rescued Les Bleus with a near-post block to keep out a header from Swiss substitute Daniel Gygax in the 65th minute.
"I can live with the draw," Frei said. "What is positive is that we won a point. It's no coincidence that in all the qualification games the French played with one (defensive midfielder), and today with two. It's a sign that they treat us with respect."
France coach Raymond Domenech gave Henry some help by sending on Manchester United striker Louis Saha with 20 minutes to go but, with Zidane fading and Patrick Vieira badly off form, the French remained goalless.
Domenech left Juventus striker David Trezeguet on the bench throughout the game and his other striker, Vikash Dhorasoo, almost snatched victory with two minutes to go.
Zidane and Saha set up the opening and the forward struck a well-timed low shot that flashed past the far post.
Henry was a big disappointment. He headed over the crossbar in the fifth minute and also fired two weak shots at goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler as the French opened up the Swiss defense.
Franck Ribery had a shot blocked by the left hand of Patrick Mueller, although it would have been harsh to give a penalty kick against the Switzerland defender.
"Once again the referee didn't see it and it came at a moment in the match when we were really on top," Henry said. "I know that the rule is hand-to-ball, but if the ball hits the hand and it stops it going in, that should be a penalty."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/soccer/specials/world_cup/2006/06/13/france.tie/index.html
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