France are sunk by Saviola strike

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PARIS, France -- A first half goal by Javier Saviola earned Argentina a clinical 1-0 victory over France in a friendly international at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

Argentina played their punchy, inventive football throughout to deny the World Cup finalists on an icy Paris evening and give Alfio Basile his first win in his second spell as national team coach following defeats against Brazil and Spain.

Barcelona forward Saviola, who had a pretty average spell when he was playing in Ligue 1 for Monaco in 2004/05, struck the winner in the 15th minute following a typical South American move.

Argentina, knocked out of the World Cup by hosts Germany in the quarterfinals, never gave Les Bleus the chance to come back despite Franck Ribery's efforts in midfield.

The match, played in front of a record 79,862 attendance, was the first between the two teams since France beat Argentina 2-0 at the Parc des Princes in 1986.

Argentina quickly went ahead with Saviola netting his 11th goal for his country at the end of a beautiful move he started himself.

Esteban Cambiasso collected a backheel from the Barcelona striker to set up Hernan Crespo, whose attempt was parried away by Gregory Coupet. Saviola, however, was ready to pounce and put the ball in the empty goal.

France responded strongly, stepping up a gear in midfield, but proved too clumsy in front of goal.

David Trezeguet, who was raised in Argentina, had France's only chance when he was denied by Roberto Abbondanzieri shortly before the interval.

After the break France coach Raymond Domenech decided to bring some speed to the right wing when he replaced Florent Malouda with Lyon team-mate Sidney Govou.

Argentina, however, still had the game under control and Crespo came close to doubling the tally with a 20-meter drive saved by Coupet in the 56th minute.

Trezeguet, who hardly had the chance to show his skills, was substituted in the 72nd minute by Nicolas Anelka.

Defender Roberto Ayala became the most capped Argentine player, beating Diego Simeone's previous record, when he won his 107th cap.

It was Alfio Basile's first win in his second spell as Argentina coach following defeats against Brazil and Spain.

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