It remains goalless at the break between France and Spain in their 2014 World Cup qualifying clash in Paris.

The visitors should have been ahead in the sixth minute when Nacho Monreal squared the ball back to Xavi on the penalty spot but the midfielder lost his composure and lifted the ball over the bar.

France responded minutes later as Karim Benzema fired just over the bar from the edge of the box. Xavi almost put his side in the lead but his dipping effort went just the wrong side of the post.

Spain could have been awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute when Pedro broke free of the hosts' defence and when he knocked the ball past Hugo Lloris the keeper brought him down without taking the ball. However, no spot kick was awarded.

Just before the break, Franck Ribery had a great chance to open the scoring when he knocked the ball into the box and drove forward but Spain keeper Victor Valdes came out and narrowed the angle and made a good save.

Written by
Simon Sinclair