Blanc laments wasteful France

France manager Laurent Blanc rued missed chances in his side’s 0-0 draw with Croatia in their international friendly on Tuesday.

Blanc’s men entered the clash with six consecutive wins to their name, but they failed to capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities to make it seven straight, with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema and Lille’s Adil Rami the main culprits in front of goal.

Benzema missed a good chance from six yards out just prior to half-time, but Rami came closest when he hit the crossbar with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

Rami injured his shoulder after coming back down to earth from his attempt on goal, and Blanc joked it was due punishment for missing.

“He should have scored. He would have forgotten his injury more quickly,” the French boss said.

The French side were heckled at the final whistle after finishing the game goalless at Stade de France, but Blanc said he was satisfied with the result.

“I enjoyed watching this game, even though there were some things to improve. I thought it was quite pleasing, even though it was nothing to jump up and down about,” he said.

Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery were back in the squad in front of their home fans for the first time since they were outed as ringleaders of France’s training boycott at the World Cup in South Africa.

Ribery came off the bench as a substitute but Manchester United defender Evra was not required.

Blanc said it was a step in the right direction that the pair were back in the mix for France selection.

“We next come back to Stade de France in October. You will see that things will be better,” Blanc said.