Saha scores on debut

Louis Saha scored on his international debut as France won their 14th successive international by beating Belgium 2-0 in Brussels.

The European champions, who were without their usual strikers Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet through injury, found it hard going against a rugged Belgian side as they started their build-up to the European Championship finals.

Sidney Govou opened the scoring after 45 minutes and Saha was rewarded for his efforts when Zinedine Zidane created the opening for the Manchester United striker to score 15 minutes from the end.

'We were a bit lucky,' said Zidane. 'I'm happy for Louis. First cap, first goal, it's nice.'

France coach Jacques Santini said: 'It was important to go on with our string of victories. We managed to do so despite a good Belgian side.

'For Louis and Peguy (Luyindula), it was not easy. They got what they came for since Louis scored and Peguy was involved in the first goal.'

Govou struck when he pushed the ball into an unguarded net after Belgium goalkeeper Geert De Vlieger had failed to block a shot.

Chelsea pair Marcel Desailly and William Gallas started the match for France, as did Arsenal's Patrick Vieira. His club-mate, Robert Pires, replaced Govou for the second half.