France’s preparations for the World Cup suffered a reality check in Rades, Tunisia, on Sunday when the 2006 finalists had to come from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against non-South Africa-bound Tunisia.
France turned up in Rades on the back of Wednesday’s confidence-boosting 2-1 win over Costa Rica in Lens.
As at Lens, France’s top scorer, Thierry Henry, found himself on the bench with manager Raymond Domenech preferring to start Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka.
PHOTO: EPA
Hugo Lloris was back in goal after having ceded his place to Steve Mandanda, who failed to advertise his claims against Costa Rica.
The rest of the side was the same as Domenech stuck with his new 4-3-3 formation.
The match was a personal milestone for Domenech, who drew level with former manager Michel Hidalgo’s record of 75 matches in charge of the national side.
The 58-year-old Domenech, who succeeded Jacques Santini after Euro 2004, is stepping down to be replaced by Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc after the World Cup.
France failed to assert as they had done on Wednesday last week and were behind by as early as the sixth minute when lax defending resulted in Isaam Jemaa tapping in past Lloris.
Tunisia had the French backline on the rack two minutes later when Ben Khalfallah charged goalbound unchallenged down the center in a one-on-one with Lloris, but the danger petered out after he elected to pass to his left with the move petering out.
France, notably with a searing shot from Franck Ribery that skimmed just wide of the near post, had their chances, but went into the break trailing.
Domenech tinkered with his second half cast list, introducing Henry on the left and debutant Marc Planus for Ribery and Eric Abidal.
BOOT TO FACE: Wilfried Singo said that his actions were not intentional, ‘but I was able to see afterwards that’ the ’keeper had a significant face injury Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday came from behind to extend their unbeaten start to the Ligue 1 season with a 4-2 win away against AS Monaco, but lost goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to a gruesome facial injury. The bloodied Italy international was left requiring 10 staples after sustaining lacerations to the right side of his face when he was caught by the studs of Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. “I don’t know if the referee was badly positioned, but VAR [video assistant referee] needed to intervene, you have to protect the players,” PSG captain Marquinhos said. “To not give a red in a situation like
India’s chess star Gukesh Dommaraju returned to a hero’s welcome in his home city yesterday after becoming the youngest world champion aged only 18. Hundreds of fans crowded the arrivals area of Chennai International Airport, cheering alongside banks of television cameras as Gukesh made his way out of the airport after victory in taking the World Chess Championship title. “It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India,” Gukesh told reporters, with garlands of flowers draped around his neck, brandishing the glittering trophy in his hand. “I can see the support and what it means to India, I
Zach LaVine on Thursday scored a season-high 36 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 117-108 upset victory against defending NBA champions the Boston Celtics, while LeBron James once again made history. LaVine went 11-of-19 from the floor and made six three-pointers while adding six rebounds and four assists for the Bulls, who improved to 13-15 for the season. “We’re a good team,” LaVine said. “We’re competitive and we’re a resilient group.” Ayo Dosunmu contributed 17 points for the Bulls, while Nikola Vucevic had 16 points and 14 rebounds for Chicago. The Bulls outscored Boston 35-22 in the fourth quarter to rally past
Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior on Tuesday won The Best FIFA Men’s Player award at a ceremony in Doha, while Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati picked up the women’s prize for the second time. The award came two months after 24-year-old Vinicius was second in the Ballon d’Or, with Real Madrid electing to snub the ceremony when they found out beforehand that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was set to win the trophy. This time, the Brazilian was on hand to collect the prize in person as he is in Qatar with his club ahead of their Intercontinental Cup final clash with Mexico’s Pachuca. “Thank
RSS