PARIS, May 31 (International Friendly) - France huffed and puffed but could not break down Paraguay's defence in their penultimate friendly before Euro 2008.

Coach Raymond Domenech said before the match he did not feel his side were ready for Austria and Switzerland - a statement seemingly proven by a toothless performance in Paris.

There were some positives for Domenech though as his side were the more dangerous team on balance and seldom looked like conceding against a side who top the South American qualifying table for the 2010 World Cup.

And in Karim Benzema, they had a player who was threatening throughout.

The Lyon youngster could have scored as early as the second minute when he tried his luck from 25 yards, with Paraguay keeper Justo forced to save with his feet.

Four minutes later Edgar Barreto fouled Thierry Henry 25 yards from goal and the Barcelona forward curled an effort wide of goal.

At the other end, Barreto struck from 20 yards but could not find the target.

Benzema again underlined his threat in the 18th minute when he struck the post from close range.

Paraguay did have occasional chances - Roque Santa Cruz's 12-yard effort just after the half-hour mark needed saving by Gregory Coupet - but on the whole it was France who looked the more likely scorers.

Ribery fired wide from 12 yards after 32 minutes and, moments later, a cross from Francois Clerc reached Benzema, but his effort was blocked by Denis Caniza.

Domenech replaced star trio Henry, Claude Makelele and Franck Ribery at the break.

On came Sidney Govou and Bafetimbi Gomis - who scored two against Ecuador Tuesday - but it was Benzema who continued to cause most trouble.

Clerc crossed for the 20-year-old again after 56 minutes, but he could not direct his effort goalwards.

When Nelson Valdez fouled Govou just past the hour mark it was Benzema who stepped up to take the free-kick.