Embattled France coach Raymond Domenech admitted that his star-studded, crisis-hit team desperately need a World Cup miracle after slumping to a 2-0 defeat to Mexico.
France, the 1998 champions and 2006 runners-up, were left with just a point from their first two matches and are three behind Uruguay and Mexico. France need to beat South Africa in their final game and then hope the mathematics of qualification works in their favour.
But Domenech, who steps down after the World Cup, is not holding out too much hope of his team making the second round. “We need a miracle,” admitted Domenech. “We have to be strong and at least play for our honour. At least we must show something in the last match. When we’re forced to rely on others, there’s nothing to say.”
France, who controversially reached the World Cup after Thierry Henry’s handball set up the decisive goal in a play-off win over Ireland, struggled to create any meaningful opportunities against a vibrant Mexican team.
“I don’t have the words, it’s a real disappointment for all of the people and for those who believed in us. If we had the answers then we could’ve done something about it. We had good intentions and desire. I feel just like all the fans, all the French people. It’s more than just a disappointment.”
France captain Patrice Evra admitted his team were just not good enough.
“We’re not a great team,” said Evra. “It’s a catastrophe, that’s all we can say. When you’re knocked out of the European championship in the first round and you’re also capable of being knocked out in the first round of the World Cup, you just don’t want to think about football after that.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2010.
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