22 May 2004	Saturday	02 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

PARIS, May 21: Some of the world's greatest players proved themselves to be mere mortals as France and Brazil failed to produce a goal in their prestigious FIFA Centennial friendly which ended in a 0-0 draw on Thursday.

The closest either side came to scoring was when Brazil's Roberto Carlos wrapped a shot against Gregory Coupet's left-hand post after 66 minutes. In reality most of the fireworks on the pitch came after the match ended when a spectacular pyrotechnic display - accompanied by Stevie Wonder's anthem "Happy Birthday" heralded the 100th anniversary of FIFA's formation in Paris on May 21, 1904.

For despite a largely competitive friendly between the reigning European and world champions, usually-lethal finishers like Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet and Sylvain Wiltord of France and Ronaldo and Ronaldinho of Brazil fluffed the sort of opportunities they score week in and week out with ease.

At least the game was played in a superb spirit, evocative of an earlier age, and although there was some robust tackling there were no bookings and an air of festivity surrounded the game played on a perfect, still warm spring night.

A crowd of 79,344 - the largest ever to watch a France international at the Stade de France - was treated to some great passing and running - but were left wanting more.

The ultra-modern setting, the venue for France's historic 3-0 World Cup final win over Brazil in 1998, also witnessed the novelty of the two teams and the officials wearing replica kit from the early part of the twentieth century in the first half before changing back to modern kit after the break.

There were plenty of 21st century skills in evidence, however, and even though there were no goals both sides put together some great approach work. But there was also the ugly modern phenomenon of home fans booing some of their own players with Claude Makelele and captain Marcel Desailly jeered every time they touched the ball.

The crowd had not forgotten their antics when Chelsea played Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final when Desailly was sent off and Makelele's theatrical dive resulted in a red card for Monaco's Andrea Zikos.

Apart from that, the match was notable for another sublime display by Zinedine Zidane who twisted and turned at every opportunity and set up his forwards regularly but to no avail before going off to a standing ovation after 68 minutes.

Henry was guilty of a dire miss in the first half when he blasted over the bar from close range after 24 minutes and Wiltord, who replaced Robert Pires at halftime, hung his head in shame after 63 minutes when he should have done better after a brilliant run by substitute Bernard Mendy.

When France did get the ball on target they were denied by Dida in the Brazil goal on a night when defences dominated. Ronaldo played the match as if he was determined to forget forever the worst day of his career in 1998.

Taken ill before the World Cup final, he still played for Brazil and had an awful, anonymous game. But the Real Madrid forward wasted at least six good scoring chances - although Coupet denied him twice with excellent saves in each half.

Despite the air of festivity surrounding the match it was a useful workout for both teams who face important matches in the next few weeks with France defending their European crown at Euro 2004 in Portugal and Brazil facing Argentina in an important World Cup qualifier. The only thing missing from an otherwise memorable night were the goals. -Reuters