Switzerland were determined to look on the bright side of their opening World Cup 0-0 draw with France despite having plenty of chances to have sealed all three points.
Coverage: FIFA World Cup 2006
"France had their opportunities today but so did we," said coach Koebi Kuhn after watching his team register their 19th game without a win against one of Europe's top five football nations on Tuesday.
"We could have done more but I felt we lost too much possession, particularly between defence and midfield. It was difficult in the heat, though, and I am proud of how our defence performed and with how well the whole team battled."
Tuesday's Group G encounter marked the third time in just over a year that Switzerland and France have finished on level terms, following their earlier stalemates in the World Cup qualifying competition.
Goalless draw: Blame the pitch!
"When you look at France, you see a team made up of remarkable players and if they cannot beat us then we must be quite a good team," Kuhn reflected.
Swiss goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler had an unexpectedly quiet time on Tuesday with France registering just three shots on target, against four for the Swiss.
"Certainly, we could have taken all three points if we had had a bit more luck, but France had their chances too," said Zuberbuehler afterwards, adding, "All it means is that nothing is likely to be decided until the last group match, which is what we always expected."
Missed Opportunity
Switzerland's top scorer Alex Frei was one of those left ruing a missed opportunity after just failing to connect properly with a rebound off the French post during the first half.
''I think it was just a case of being slightly in the wrong place,'' Frei said. ''I felt the ball was going to bounce back off the post but I thought it was going to come right at me, and not just next to me.
''At this level, you have to finish off the few chances you get and we didn't do that today, but hey, we were up against a good France side so let's be positive.'' Though still looking to record that elusive big win, Switzerland did manage to end an incredibly poor defensive run at the World Cup.
Today's match was the first time in 23 attempts that the Swiss had managed to keep a clean sheet at the finals.
''We already knew how good the team was and we're proud to now be the first Swiss side not to let in any goals,'' said captain Johann Vogel.
Switzerland continue their Group G campaign against Togo on June 19 before facing South Korea four days later.
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