BRADLEY S. KLAPPER

AP writer

France was held to a 0-0 draw by Romania yesterday in a defence-dominated match at the European Championship that lacked clear scoring chances.

Without captain Patrick Vieira and record scorer Thierry Henry, the World Cup finalists dominated possession but failed to penetrate a backline led by Gabriel Tamas. Romania played with usual defender Christian Chivu in a midfield role as part of a conservative formation drawn up by coach Victor Piturca.

It worked.

The best chance fell to France striker Nicolas Anelka in the 33rd minute. After a short corner, Franck Ribery's cross into the Romanian box evaded everyone, bouncing up high to Anelka at the far post. The 29-year-old Chelsea player had time to pick a spot with his header, but sent the ball over the crossbar.

The result leaves both teams with one point in Group C, the competition's toughest. The Netherlands and Italy are also in the group.

France seemed intent to control the match early, spreading the ball around the midfield with ease but failing to penetrate Romania's defence. But without Henry, who has not trained in four days, France's tactical play lacked creativity. The team has yet to disclose the 30-year-old FC Barcelona striker's injury.

Ribery created the first chance in the ninth minute, curling a pass down the right into space to Anelka, who hit a first-time volley but sent it well wide. Strike partner Karim Benzema then shot over from 20 metres (yards) after good work holding the ball up by Claude Makelele.

While France had all the possession, Romania looked for opportunities to counter.

Adrian Mutu had one shot blocked and sent another wide, before latching onto a 40-metre (yard) pass from Cosmin Contra. He headed back to Daniel Niculae, but the 25-year-old striker's shot from distance was well wide.

The second half was similarly tight, with few chances for either side.

Florent Malouda carved out a chance for himself in the 49th after dribbling past two defenders. His 15-metre (yard) shot had power, but was much too high.

Willy Sagnol tackled Mutu from behind two minutes later and 25 metres (yards) from goal, but the 29-year-old Fiorentina striker shot the free kick straight into the wall.

Then, in the 57th, Benzema had a chance from 16 metres (yards) after more good work down the right from Ribery, who was increasingly coming into the match. The 20-year-old Lyon player was unmarked, but shot tamely at goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont.

France replaced Anelka in the 72nd with Bafetimbi Gomis, who made his first appearance for the national team last month. He scored twice in his debut as a second-half substitute.

But even the 22-year-old striker's fresh legs could not inject some energy into the match, as both teams looked resigned to a draw. France took off Benzema and Romania subbed Mutu as each team solidified its midfield.

Vieira pulled out of training last month with a slight left thigh tear, but was confirmed in coach Raymond Domenech's squad yesterday at the last minute.

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France: Gregory Coupet, Willy Sagnol, Lilian Thuram, William Gallas, Eric Abidal, Franck Ribery, Claude Makelele, Jeremy Toulalan, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka (Bafetimbi Gomis, 72), Karim Benzema (Samir Nasri, 77).

Romania: Bogdan Lobont, Cosmin Contra, Gabriel Tamas, Dorin Goian, Razvan Rat, Razvan Cocis (Paul Codrea, 64), Mirel Radoi (Nicolae Dica, 90), Cristian Chivu, Banel Nicolita, Adrian Mutu (Marius Niculae, 78), Daniel Niculae.

Referee: Gonzalez (Spain)