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EURO 2008: BLUES TRIO LOCKED OUT

/noticias.info/ There was a strong Chelsea theme in the France team that drew 0-0 with Romania in Zurich tonight, with no less than three current Blues in the starting line-up.

Les Bleus had the better of the action throughout the game, but the combination of Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka could not help their side find a way through the resolute Romanians.

Makelele was in his familiar holding role in the centre of midfield as the French set up with a 4-4-2 formation. Malouda was wide left while Anelka was preferred up front to Thierry Henry by coach Raymond Domenech.

There were also two former Chelsea men on display, William Gallas at the heart of the French defence, up against Romanian forward Adrian Mutu.

In a quiet first half, the few highlights there were revolved around Chelsea men.

On 16 minutes Makelele sent an exquisite pass through for Malouda with the outside of his right foot, but the winger couldn't beat Romanian goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont to the ball. He cleared, but only as far as Anelka, whose cross was just too long.

After half an hour the French were firmly on top, and Anelka, wearing an unfamiliar number 8, headed just over. Four minutes later he sent another effort just off target, smashing into the side netting from an unlikely angle, having skinned his marker.

The second half began in similar fashion, but this time it was Malouda going alone, beating his marker Cosmin Contra before shooting at the near post. However his effort was just a little too high.

Despite huffing and puffing, the French could not find a way through, and after 71 minutes Anelka was replaced by Bafetimbi Gomis.

In Monday's other game, Khalid Boulahrouz played the first 77 minutes of The Netherlands impressive 3-0 win over world champions Italy. Former Blue Arjen Robben was unavailable due to injury. notas_de_prensa_archivo