France hold firm against Belgium
15/11/2011
Les Bleus turned in a convincing defensive performance to secure a 0-0 draw with Belgium, but their lack of cutting edge in attack will be a concern for coach Laurent Blanc with just one friendly match remaining before Euro 2012.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
International friendly, Stade de France
France 0 - 0 Belgium 
It was a night when defences won out over attacking play, Laurent Blanc's new-look back four of Anthony Réveillère, Adil Rami, Mamadou Sakho and Eric Abidal - not to mention 'keeper Hugo Lloris, who produced a superb double save from former Lille and Saint-Etienne forward Kévin Mirallas (74') - held firm against a classy display from Belgium's mobile and powerful forwards.
M'Vila blow
Despite losing Rennes' defensive midfielder and Blanc favourite Yann M'Vila to a back injury just before half time, and thanks in no small part to a strong outing from his replacement, OL's Maxime Gonalons, Les Bleus largely dominated possession but the physical presence of Axel Witsel and Marouane Fellaini and the silky skills of Lille star Eden Hazard provided a stern test for Blanc's men.
The France attack also showed flashes of brilliance, notably through Man of the Match Franck Ribéry, but a lack of rhythm on the ball saw them struggle to get in behind the Belgian defence, Karim Benzema and Marvin Martin having to drop deep to get on the ball.
Pressure on Blanc
While the nil-all result takes Les Bleus' unbeaten run to 17 matches, Blanc will doubtless be feeling the pressure as, with just one scheduled friendly remaining - against Germany at the end of February - time is running out for him to arrive at a winning formula for next summer's Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.