Santini confident despite draw

France coach Jacques Santini remained confident about the striking power of his team despite the goalless draw against Brazil in the FIFA Centennial friendly on Thursday.

The European champions, who are preparing for the defence of their title in Portugal next month, have failed to find the net in their last two outings.

France were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw in a friendly international against the Netherlands at Rotterdam in March.

Their recent goal drought is in stark contrast to the form they displayed during the European championship qualifying campaign, where France scored 29 goals and conceded just two.

"The only thing missing tonight was goals. When you came to see two sides like France and Brazil you can expect an entertaining performance," Santini said.

"But the goalkeepers, especially Gregory Coupet, and the defence played their part.

"I'm still confident in our striking power. Our last two matches were against great teams. The Netherlands are one of the favourites for the Euro finals and Brazil are five-time (world) champions. So there's no reason to worry."

France missed two clear opportunities to slot the ball home when Juventus striker David Trezeguet forced Dida to a dramatic save in the 23rd minute before substitute Sylvain Wiltord sent wide a cross by defender Bernard Mendy after the hour mark.

"We were forced to defend very low and we had little choice but to set up counter-attacks which is not the kind of play we like best," Santini said.

With France set to kick off their Euro 2004 campaign against England on June 13, the champions were visibly wary of having any of their key players picking up an injury so close to the competition.

Inspirational playmaker Zinedine Zidane tore a thigh muscle five days before the opening match of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan and the team were determined not to suffer the same fate again.

Zidane missed France's first two games before returning for the third but it was too late to save the 1998 champions from suffering a humiliating first-round exit.

"We were here to give the fans a good show but my job is to have everyone ready and at his best for the England match," Santini said.

Captain Marcel Desailly was forced out at the interval because of a knee injury but Santini refused to elaborate.

France will take on Andorra next week in Montpellier before hosting Ukraine in their last warm-up outing in Paris on June 6.