Saviola strike sinks France

Argentina got an early strike from Javier Saviola to defeat hosts France 1-0.

In front of a large Stade de France crowd, captain Roberto Ayala became Argentina's most capped player when he made his 107th appearance for La Albicelestes.

Saviola took just a quarter of an hour to score the decisive goal for the South Americans following a move that was started by the in-form Barcelona striker.

France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet made an initial save from Saviola's shot, but the Argentina hit-man was on hand to convert the rebound.

Despite having Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet in attack, Les Bleus struggled to break Argentina down.

Even the introduction of Bolton Wanderers striker Nicolas Anelka midway through the second half did little to deny Argentina goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri a clean sheet on Wednesday.

The friendly was the first meeting between both nations since 1986.