Soccer: Domenech feels heat ahead of South Africa

Raymond Domenech is finally leaving after the World Cup, but many feel his departure is long overdue, with a French MP adding to calls for the coach's immediate removal.

The concern evoked by France's fortuitous, controversial qualification was exacerbated by last week's 2-0 home defeat to Spain and questions remain about leadership, tactics and personnel.

France did have several players out against the European champions, notably William Gallas, Eric Abidal and Karim Benzema, but in the past the pool of talent seemed so vast a few absentees mattered little. Either the supply is drying up, or it is being badly handled. Most believe the latter.

France started with Franck Ribery and Yoann Gourcuff, their most imaginative players, in a 4-4-1-1 formation in Paris, Ribery on the flank, Gourcuff behind Nicolas Anelka, but created little.

The ineffective Thierry Henry, meanwhile, was booed and had to be replaced soon after the hour. The captain admitted afterwards he had no energy in his legs because of a lack of playing time at Barcelona.

"I absolutely had no pace. When you have to run after the ball after having only played one game in the last month and a half it is really tough."

Domenech said Henry's lack of games was becoming a problem but not yet an alarming one, adding: "I don't see this as catastrophic. There was a great team in front of us. We have three months yet."

Spain's Vicente del Bosque offered support: "France could have a promising World Cup, they have the individual and collective potential to do it."

- INDEPENDENT