Disappointing Finish to Much-anticipated Encounter

The game took off on a slightly uninspiring note with the first notable action happening in the 14th minute when Germany's Lukas Podolski kicked the ball over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty box.

A tired-looking France had their first chance five minutes later when an effort by striker Thierry Henry went narrowly wide.

The Germans suffered a setback just before halftime when injury-plagued midfielder Sebastian Deisler limped off after what looked like a bloody cut to his foot following a collision.

David Trezeguet wasted a good opportunity for France in the 52nd minute and seconds later Germany did likewise when substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger missed from close range.

Schweinsteiger also went close in the 73rd minute, forcing France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet to make one of his few saves of the night, while Germany captain Michael Ballack threatened with a header from a free kick.

Germans satisfied

Despite the dearth of goals, the Germans seemed satisfied with their performance.

"I want to congratulate the team," said Ballack, who played the whole game despite a sore thigh muscle.

"We're a young team and we still make mistakes but we didn't make any tonight. Everybody fought really hard."

German coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who is under pressure at home, was equally pleased.

"I would obviously have preferred us to win but I'm pleased with our performance," said Klinsmann.

"France have class and can rely on many brilliant individuals. I think we did well by playing aggressively in midfield to stop them from creating too many chances."

Saturday's goalless result means Germany are still chasing their first win over top-class international opposition since beating England 1-0 at Wembley more than five years ago.

France lacking star power

France, however were missing their big stars with both Zinedine Zidane and midfielder Patrick Vieira out of action with groin injuries.

French coach Raymond Domenech, who took over as coach following their quarter-final exit at Euro 2004, said the two teams played equally well.

"It was a very balanced game between two teams playing at roughly the same level," said Domenech. "I'm certainly not disappointed with what I saw tonight."

"We'll have to do better": Zidane

But, Zidane told French television that France needs to do more if they want to shine at next year's World Cup.

"It's way too short for the moment. At the World Cup, we'll have to do better, all together," Zidane said.

France qualified for the World Cup finals after Zidane, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele came out of international retirement, by finishing top of their qualifying group, beating Ireland 1-0 away last September.

However Zidane, who missed the two games with a groin injury, said France had improved since coach Raymond Domenech took over from Jacques Santini in July 2004.

"There was a little something missing, a victory, a little bit of confidence. That is what we gained with our victory in Ireland," he said.

France and Germany were playing their last match of the year and will not be in action before March.