Netherlands maintained their excellent form as they took a 1-0 halftime lead against France.

Dirk Kuyt put them ahead after nine minutes when he headed in a corner from Rafael van der Vaart from close range.

Midway through the first half France finally registered their first chance when Sidney Govou controlled the ball in the area and forced Edwin van der Sar to save with his foot.

Franck Ribery and again Govou also had their chances but both found Van der Sar equal to their attempts to level.

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