France and Sweden goalless at half-time
France were 45 minutes away from reaching the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time in six years here on Tuesday as they were drawing 0-0 with Sweden in their final Euro 2012 Group D clash.
The French just need a point against the already eliminated Swedes to assure themselves of progressing - something they last achieved at the 2006 World Cup finals.
Both sides had early chances, Karim Benzema benefiting from a slip-up by a Swedish defender which left him free in the box but his shot was well blocked by Andreas Isaakson.
The Swedes should have gone ahead in the eighth minute as Ola Toivonen - who had replaced the injured Johan Elmander up front - was played onside and with only Hugo Lloris to beat. However, although he rounded the goalkeeper he found the angle too tight and his shot hit the post.
©2011 AFP
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