World Cup champion Brazil was held by France to a 0-0 draw at Stade de France on Thursday in a match marking the centenary of FIFA.
In a repeat of the 1998 World Cup final, which France won 3-0 on two Zinedine Zidane headers, Brazil was unable to get revenge -- despite creating the better chances.
France, favored to win Euro 2004, had goalkeeper Gregory Coupet to thank for extending its unbeaten streak to 16 games.
"I'm very proud to have preserved my goal against players of that ability," Coupet said.
France coach Jacques Santini, who must decide whether to choose Coupet or retain Fabien Barthez as No. 1 next month in Portugal, also praised his 'keeper.
"It was a good match for the fans, with just the goals missing. But that's because of how well Coupet played," Santini said.
Brazil soon threatened when Lyon midfielder Juninho released Cafu down the right and his powerful ninth-minute shot flew just wide of Coupet's net. A minute later, Real Madrid star Ronaldo jinked into the area and also fired wide.
Coupet made an athletic 22nd-minute save to deny Ronaldo as Brazil pressed forward.
"That was a fierce shot from Ronaldo, it's always motivating playing against someone like him," Coupet added. "I think I played my best game for France tonight."
But France should have taken the lead straight after when Thierry Henry controlled a high ball, cut inside his marker, and blazed the shot over the crossbar. Many of his 42 goals this season have been far harder.
Arsenal's Henry then burst down the right and crossed for strike partner David Trezeguet of Juventus, whose instinctive clip was parried by AC Milan goalkeeper Dida.
Brazil, winner of a record five World Cups, finished the first half strongly and Ronaldo went close twice more when he narrowly failed to connect with a Roberto Carlos cross, and had a shot blocked.
"The match was very balanced, between two of the best teams in the world" said Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. "For a 0-0 draw, it was very exciting. Both teams were attack-minded."
Kaka's long-distance effort at the start of the second half forced Coupet into action again, with Brazil edging possession against a lackluster French team.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Bernard Mendy, who came on at halftime to make his international debut, snapped Les Bleus back into action with a surging run down the right which left Carlos in his wake.
Mendy crossed for Sylvain Wiltord, who found space in the area but curled the ball wide from 10 meters.
Carlos, regarded as the world's best attacking full-back, showed his prowess with an instinctive strike from the edge of the area which bounced off the post.
Lyon's Coupet, winning his seventh cap, made a smart save in the 69th minute, diving low to smother Ronaldo's strike. The forward, who has 51 goals in 82 appearances for Brazil, seemed keen to make amends for his poor showing in the '98 final, when bad nerves got the better of his undoubted talent.
Both teams wore long, baggy shorts and thick cotton jerseys in a throwback to yesteryear. The outfit was chosen in keeping with FIFA's centenary, which has been celebrated in Paris this week. Standard attire was worn for the second half.
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