World Cup 2006 Qualifying/ France 0; Israel 0: France were held to an embarrassing 0-0 draw by Israel as they started their campaign at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

Les Bleus, who were playing their first competitive game under new coach Raymond Domenech, proved unable to take advantage of their technical superiority.

They clearly had the best chances, if not the only ones, but failed to convert them, with William Gallas and Thierry Henry missing the target in each half.

The former European champions hardly touched the ball during the first 10 minutes until a William Gallas header was saved on his goal-line by Klemi Saban Rahamim.

In the 18th minute a sharp counterattack led by Thierry Henry ended with Louis Saha failing to convert the cross after Henry had outpaced the whole Israeli rearguard.

However, the visitors enjoyed most of the ball possession but proved too shaky in the penalty area to threaten Gregory Coupet.

After 28 minutes of a physical game, Israel goalkeeper Nir Davidovitch brilliantly blocked a six-metre attempt by Claude Makelele, who had been set up by Henry.

Domenech changed his usual 3-5-2 into a more classical 4-4-2 in the 57th minute and later brought in Robert Pires for Jerome Rothen as his team built up the pressure. Henry met a perfect cross from his Arsenal team-mate but his header went just over the bar to leave the French frustrated.