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PARIS - The sky fell in on French hopes of maiden World Cup glory on Friday, admitted coach Bernard Laporte, after his side slumped to a shock 17-12 defeat to Argentina.
The soon to be French Sports Minister admitted that the hosts had not played well as they failed to overcome a 17-9 half-time deficit.
Laporte said they will have to raise their game if they were to emulate England and become the second northern hemisphere side to land the Webb Ellis trophy.
Even if France do progress to the knockout round, the worrying possibility is looming that they will finish second in Pool D and end up playing tournament favourites New Zealand in the last eight where they would have to try and repeat their epic victory in the 1999 semi-finals.
"When you begin a World Cup and it is imperative to win the match and you lose, you can say only one thing that the sky has fallen in on your head," said Laporte.
"We were not good and it is for us to raise our game. We have to win the three remaining games and then wait and see."
However, Laporte, who guided France to the 2003 semi-finals where they lost to England, insisted he had faith in his squad's ability to turn things round even though they probably face a do-or-die date with Six Nations Triple Crown winners Ireland on September 15 in Paris.
"We were counting on this match to get the World Cup campaign momentum going and we failed. We were fragile and febrile.
"We did not know how to lighten the pressure on the players and certain of them did not play to their best.
"However, I am convinced that this group has something about them and they will react to this.
"I believe in this squad, in these players. It is vital to raise our heads, immediately."
The former scrum-half, who has been criticised in some quarters for paying more attention to his advertising contracts and business interests, was at a loss to explain how his team, boasting hardened veterans like hooker Raphael Ibanez and former skipper Fabien Pelous, had cracked under the pressure.
"I don't know," said a bemused Laporte.
"Now we are going to look after the players. In terms of preparation for the match we did what was necessary.
"But this match was of a high level. And at certain times we weren't at that level."
For giant second row forward Sebastien Chabal - who replaced Pelous on the hour mark - it was a slip-up that could cost them dearly.
"We have the right to make an error but it could well cost us," he said.
"They didn't do a lot but we just weren't at the races.
"Things have become complicated but we have the players to get out of it."
For centre Yannick Jauzion it was clear what to do.
"Now it is vital we talk things over about what didn't work.
"We have to give everything now to get this first place, even if we are not masters of our destiny.
"Everyone is devastated but we have to stick together but tonight we didn't know how to raise our heads when we were down."
- AFP
