Henry closes on French goal record

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PARIS, France -- Thierry Henry was on target as France finished the year on a high by beating European champions Greece 1-0 at the Stade de France in a friendly on Wednesday.

The Arsenal striker was on target in the 26th minute when he headed home a Willy Sagnol cross from the right to net his 39th goal for Les Bleus, two shy of Michel Platini's record 41.

Captain Patrick Viera also had several chances during his 100th cap in a one-sided match against a team who beat France 1-0 in the quarterfinals on their way to winning Euro 2004.

In a second half of few chances, Sylvain Wiltord and Henry went close.

Nicolas Anelka almost scored in the 87th minute when he beat his marker, but his hard shot was too close to Nikopolidis.

Greek midfielder Angelos Basinas missed a chance to equalize in the 85th.

Before kick off the fans paid tribute to the players who helped France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

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