REUTERS - France did their World Cup qualifying hopes few favours after being held to a 1-1 draw by Romania on Saturday.

The former world and European champions have 14 points from seven matches, four behind leaders Serbia. The two teams now meet in Belgrade on Wednesday, with only the Group Seven winners certain to qualify.

France wasted several opportunities before captain Thierry Henry put them ahead three minutes into the second half, nodding a William Gallas header into the net from close range.

The visitors levelled on 54 minutes when defender Julien Escude deflected a cross into his own goal to leave France facing the prospect of finishing second in the group, which would mean a likely playoff place.