Half-Time Report: Sweden holding on against France

France have headed into half time on level terms with Sweden following a goalless opening 45 minutes, despite the hosts creating a number of chances in their international friendly this evening.

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The home side could have taken the lead inside the opening minute when Dimitri Payet attempted to curl the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box following a quick break, but his finish was just wide.

Paul Pogba also looked sharp for France early on, blasting the ball wide with a 25-yard effort before attempting to set up Layvin Kurzawa a few minutes later, only to see his teammate volley high.

Chances were scarce for the visitors in the opening spell, with only Sebastian Larsson attempting to get a shot away for Sweden, although it was blocked before it could trouble Steven Mandanda.

France continued to look the stronger of the two sides, and came close to opening the scoring just after the half-hour mark when Mathieu Valbuena controlled the ball on his chest before attempting an overhead kick only to slice the ball high.

Andre-Pierre Gignac tried to set up Valbuena for another effort shortly before the break, but the midfielder's first touch was poor, allowing Andreas Isaksson to make the save.