"In the first half, we were far too nervous, lost the ball too often, we couldn't keep control of the ball in the zone between midfield and defense.

"But we have a point, and we're happy with that. We mustn't forget who we played against. If you look at the team of our opponent, France, it's a squad with lots of fantastic players. And I can only say, once again, they didn't beat us."

The French stars trooped off in dismay at yet another World Cup disappointment to go with the losses to Senegal and Denmark and 0-0 tie with Uruguay four years ago. They need to bounce back with victories over South Korea and Togo.

"It's like during the World Cup qualifiers again," Domenech said. "We have it all to do. South Korea will be qualified if they beat us, so we have to be ready."

Switzerland almost went ahead in the 23rd minute when Tranquillo Barnetta sent a free kick into the area. Teammates Philippe Senderos and Frei both failed to get a touch and the ball hit the post.

Fabien Barthez, one of five players who won the World Cup with France in 1998, rescued Les Bleus with a near-post block to keep out a header from Switzerland substitute Daniel Gygax in the 65th minute, and then came that late miss from Frei.

Domenech left striker David Trezeguet on the bench throughout the game and his other striker, Vikash Dhorasoo, almost scored with two minutes to go. Zidane and Louis Saha set up the opening and Dhorasoo sent a well-timed shot past the far post.