Blanc made five changes from the team which won convincingly in Luxembourg last time out, omitting Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery with fears of a backlash from French supporters for what would have been their pair's first home game since the World Cup.

All eyes were on the two managers before kick-off as Blanc came up against Croatian manager Slaven Bilic for the first time since the Frenchman was sent off in the World Cup semi-final back in 1998.

It took France just over 20 minutes to create their first clear-cut opportunity as Blaise Matuidi's long range effort was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Vedran Runje.

Croatia, who were knocked from the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group F after losing to Georgia at the weekend, took even longer to test Hugo Lloris in the France goal, Nikica Jelavic forcing a smart save from the Lyon goalkeeper towards the end of the first half.

Karim Benzema wasted a fantastic opportunity to give the hosts the lead on the stroke of half time, firing over from 12 yards.

The second half was disjointed, mainly through a mixture of substitutions and fouls which saw a flourish of yellow cards, but France defender Adil Rami's shot from outside the area hit the post after 67 minutes.

It would be the closest either side would come to breaking the deadlock.

Croatia retreated further into their own half as Bilic made five changes in the second half but they managed to limit the opportunities for France who also made a succession of substitutions towards the closing stages.

Ribery was introduced on the hour mark to a mixed reception after the part he played in France's World Cup debacle, but the Bayern Munich playmaker failed to create any real excitement.

Croatia's substitute goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, on loan at Tottenham, had to be on his guard right until the end of the game and he made a fantastic save in stoppage time as he turned a long-range effort from Yoann Gourcuff around the post.