France produced another unconvincing performance as their final outing of 2011 ended in a goalless draw against old rivals Belgium at the Stade de France on Tuesday.
Laurent Blanc's side rarely troubled Belgium's debutant teenage goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and were handed a major injury scare when midfielder Yann M'Vila was stretchered off with his neck in a brace late in the first half.
Les Bleus are now unbeaten in their last 17 matches, but having struggled to break down the United States on Friday, Blanc will be concerned by the lack of spark shown by his team against their latest, supposedly inferior opposition.
After experimenting with a 4-4-2 formation in their last outing, the hosts lined up along more familiar lines against their neighbours, with Loic Remy -- the matchwinner against the USA -- starting wide on the right and Karim Benzema reverting to the role of lone striker.
However, France were again devoid of inspiration in the first 45 minutes in front of a Stade de France crowd that was some way short of capacity.
Courtois -- the 19-year-old Chelsea prospect currently on loan at Atletico Madrid -- was called into action for the first time midway through the first period to save a harmless Yohan Cabaye shot.
He also saved twice from Franck Ribery, but the Belgians had the best chance of the opening half when a Daniel Van Buyten header flashed just past Hugo Lloris' left post.
The game was then held up for several minutes when M'Vila landed awkwardly after going up for a challenge with Eden Hazard.
The Rennes man remained prostrate for several minutes before eventually being taken away with a brace around his neck to be replaced by Maxime Gonalons.
However, while the midfielder was whisked straight to hospital, reports later suggested that he would merely spend the night under observation as a precaution.
M'Vila's replacement Gonalons sent a shot just over moments after the restart, while Benzema headed just wide from an Anthony Reveillere cross but, if anything, Belgium appeared the more dangerous side in the second half.
Historically, the Red Devils have the upper hand in meetings with their cross-border rivals, and while they have not appeared at a major tournament since the 2002 World Cup and will not be at Euro 2012, they do have an exciting young side.
Eden Hazard is well known to French fans for the starring role he plays at Ligue 1 title-holders Lille, but their best chances on the night came from Marouane Fellaini, who volleyed narrowly off target, and substitute Kevin Mirallas.
The Olympiakos striker was denied twice in quick succession by Hugo Lloris late on, and the two sides settled for a draw that brought loud jeers from the crowd at full-time.
Source: AFP
