France Vs Switzerland - World Cup Special

Looking to improve on a 2002 campaign which saw them obtain one point from three games the French were well fancied. With Henry leading the line and the returning trio of Makalele, Thuram and Zidane all starting it was expected to be statement of intent from the former holders rather than the weak effort which it turned out to be. The Swiss who overcame Turkey in a playoff to qualify started with Arsenal's Senderos keeping close guard on his French club mate.

The first half provided little entertainment and it was Switzerland through Frei who had the best chance midway through the encounter. After a free kick was floated all the way in the ball struck the ball whilst needed just a touch as a second chance arose the aforementioned Swiss striker fluffed his lines and allowed the French back four to clear the ball when really they should have been battling back from 1-0 down.

The French had previously threatened from the isolated on Henry who after a poor pull back from Ribery created himself a chance on goal but found his goal bound shot blocked by a covering defender. The striker appealed for a penalty but his complaints were waived away by the referee.

Henry also fired in two more efforts on goal in the first half but both failed to Zuberbuhler in any serious way. Wiltord and the much wanted Ribery flattered to deceive in the French 4-3-3 formation and despite the best efforts of Zidane couldn't get enough ball possession to make their player for player skill count.

At half time the French captain was seen to whip his team up and in the second half he became the architect of any promising move to turn the game in ‘Le Blues' favour. However when Vieira fired over the best chance of the half from a Wiltord cross and substitute Dhorasoo dragged his shot wide the game seemed certain to be heading for a draw.

In the latter stages of the half Switzerland had two excellent chances to turn the game their way. An excellent tackle by Senderos on Lyon's Wiltord seemed to spur them on and in a rare attack Barthez was forced into making an excellent save from Barnetta who's header was somewhat lacking in power.

As the seconds ticked away a whipped free kick seemingly headed into substitute Djourou's path was foolishly handballed by Frei in the box and Switzerland knew they were destined to get nothing more than a point out of their first game.

A silence followed by a chorus of boos followed the final whistle from the French fans while Switzerland though pleased with their point realized that with a more killer instinct it could have been so much more.