After Saturday's shock loss to Georgia in Tbilisi, Croatia traveled to the French capital to play a friendly encounter with Laurent Blanc's rejuvenated France. Although the hosts did edge the Croats, the friendly ended in a goalless draw
The first chance for Croatia on 15 minutes when a Darijo Srna free kick from just outside the area hit France's defending wall.
It seems as if the threat livened the French side, as they responded when Menez seized upon an error in midfield to round Strinic and send a near perfect cross into the area for Benzema, who sent the ball soaring over the goal.
Croatia's best chance followed through Ivan Perisic who beat a French defender to take on Hugo Lloris, who expertly stopped Perisic's attempt for the far corner before the teams went in at time.
Returnee Stipe Pletikosa replaced Vedran Runje between the Croatian posts, and looked just like his old lifesaving self, stopping several French attempts at goal.
Play livened on 59 minutes when Ribery entered, with the Bayern Munich winger creating more chances along Croatia's right side.
In the end, Croatia played well against their hosts for their first draw at the Parisian stadium - having lost their first game there in the 2-1 loss to France in the 1998 World Cup semifinals and their second match, a 3-0 friendly loss to hosts France one year later.
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic's team can now go into their Euro 2012 qualifier against Greece in the right frame of mind, hopefully with their Georgian upset behind them.
