The so-called 'Group of Death' got off to a timid start at the Letzigrund, with the French unable to find a way past an opposition who picked up a point they clearly came for.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium, Les Bleus pair Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda having the best of them, as defences came out on top in a match to forget for the strikers.

It was not all bad news for France on Monday - prior to the match, it was revealed that captain Patrick Vieira would be remaining with the squad for the rest of the competition despite his thigh problem.

But the Internazionale midfielder and star striker Thierry Henry, who also missed the match through injury, were sorely missed as the Romanians survived comfortably.

Afterwards France coach Raymond Domenech admitted he expected qualification from Group C to go down to the wire.

"I have been saying since the draw was made, this is a complicated group," he said.

"Their (Romania's) team is solid, strong and well prepared and it was a difficult match.

"We have two more matches to play and this will be a tough group right until the end.

"There are no weak teams. All four of us are going to do everything we can, but we have known that for six months.

"This match was just confirmation of that."