CHANGSHA, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- China were held to a 0-0 draw with Bulgaria in an international soccer friendly here on Wednesday.

China boss Zhu Guanghu's wish of ending a poor record against European teams failed again due to the weaknesses in both the midfield and the forward line in a match lacking excitement.

China dominated the first half in front of a slack Bulgaria squad made up of second-thought players chosen by 1994 World Cup hero Dimitar Penev, packing the guest's half with short passes and long range drives.

After several long range efforts from Cao Yang, Chen Tao and Sun Xiang, midfielder Wang Liang created the best chance for the hosts before the interval with a superb 25m curve after rounding down a defender, which was merely tipped over by a full-stretched Zdravko Zdravkov.

Skipper Li Weifeng went close on 87 minutes to head wide a Wang Liang's fine corner, which was the only highlight of the second half.

China had suffered four consecutive defeats against European teams like Spain, Ireland, Germany and Serbia and Montenegro this year before this match without a goal.