Australia held France to a 1-1 draw in a friendly international on Sunday after the home side had surprised the world champions by taking a 1-0 lead at halftime. Goals either side of the break by Australia's Craig Moore and France striker David Trezeguet settled the controversial match, which had brought the club versus country debate in Europe into sharp focus in recent months.
Inspired by Zinedine Zidane in midfield, France had dominated the first half and had a host of scoring chances, but just before the break a header by Rangers defender Craig Moore gave the hosts the lead against the run of play. France responded three minutes into the second half with a tap in from close range for Juventus striker Trezeguet after some good interplay between Christophe Dugarry and Robert Pires.
Both sides created scoring chances throughout the second half and John Aloisi had the opportunity to secure victory for Australia in injury time, but lost his footing in the box as substitute Mikael Silvestre defended desperately.
Filed by Tom Grealis
