ZURICH, Switzerland — With upcoming games against the Netherlands and Italy, France couldn't afford a slow start.

So a 0-0 draw today with Romania in Group C, considered the toughest in the European Championship, wasn't quite what the French had in mind.

The undermanned French, without captain Patrick Vieira and leading scorer Thierry Henry, dominated possession, but failed to penetrate a stiff Romania defense devised by coach Victor Piturca. France showed little flair on attack.

"It's a shame because we could have made the difference and got the three points today," France midfielder Claude Makelele said. "You have to score to get on top against these teams.

"We did what we had to do, except that we could not create clear chances. Now we know what we have to do against Netherlands and Italy."

After its faltering start two years ago, when it barely escaped the first round, France turned around its fortunes at the World Cup and wound up in the final losing to Italy. Coach Raymond Domenech expects nothing less at Euros.

"It's important not to lose to a direct opponent, so you can say it's positive," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "It was not easy."

Without Henry, who has not trained in four days, France's offense got nowhere. Henry said he has a slight "thigh strain" but is not overly concerned, without specifying with leg is hurting.

"I still felt a bit of pain in yesterday's training," Henry said. "I hope to be there against Netherlands. I am not a doctor, we will see how it goes."

Vieira pulled out of training last month with a slight left thigh tear, but was on Domenech's roster Monday, although, like Henry, he was idle.

For Romania, which is in with such heady company as World Cup champion Italy, France and the Dutch, the draw had to be satisfying. A defense led by Gabriel Tamas, and with defender Christian Chivu moved into in a midfield role, the Romanians gave up infrequent scoring opportunities, none extremely dangerous.

"Maybe the French are bored with playing at the highest level and let us Romanians win a point," Piturca said. "My players are exhausted."

The best chance fell to France striker Nicolas Anelka in the 33rd minute. After a short corner kick, Franck Ribery's cross into the Romanian box evaded everyone, bouncing up high to Anelka at the far post. His header sailed over the crossbar.