French fire warning shot

Robert Pires opened the scoring for France

Croatia 0-2 France

France sent out a strong warning to their rivals ahead of Euro 2000, with a comfortable victory over Croatia in Zagreb.

Goals from Robert Pires and substitute David Trezeguet wrapped up a fine performance from the World Champions, who were barely tested throughout the clash.

The game began in bizarre fashion when Drazen Ladic, the Croatian keeper, was substituted after a matter of minutes.

Ladic went off to a fanfare on his final appearance for Croatia

And when the game restarted, France were almost caught napping by Mario Stanic whose powerful shot flew over the bar.

But it was the visitors who took the lead, when Henry was put through on goal and his shot broke to Pires who scored into an open goal.

France dominated the half with their slick passing although Croatia had their moments and Davor Suker missed by a whisker with a free-kick.

Croatia did have several chances in the second half to get back into the game.

Suker clear

Their best opportunity came after 68 minutes when Davor Suker was clear through the static French defence.

The Arsenal forward could only chip onto the crossbar and Mario Stanic followed up with a shot crashing against the foot of the left post.

A relieved Fabien Barthez was finally able to smother the ball and clear the danger.

The French immediately broke away and deservedly doubled their lead.

Zinedine Zidane had dictated the proceedings throughout and created the space for Sylvain Wiltord to cross in for Trezeguet to smash home.

France held on for a comfortable victory and the world champions look a confident side ahead of the championships.

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Croatia: Drazen Ladic; Robert Kovac, Robert Jarni, Zvonimir Soldo, Igor Stimac, Dario Simic, Aljosa Asanovic, Mario Stanic, Davor Suker, Niko Kovac, Alen Boksic

France: Fabien Barthez, Lilian Thuram, Laurent Blanc, Marcel Desailly, Bixente Lizarazu, Didier Deschamps, Emmanuel Petit, Zinedine Zidane, Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Thierry Henry.