Domenech left cold by Irish approach
Thursday, 8 September 2005 14:55France coach Raymond Domenech has described the Republic of Ireland as "predictable" after Thierry Henry's strike proved deadly in Dublin.
But he also issued a warning to any French players who believe the hard work has been done in their mission to reach the World Cup finals.
His players are now level on points with Switzerland at the top of group four, but second on goal difference, and they face the Swiss next month in Berne, before finishing their qualifying campaign against Cyprus.
"There are weaknesses in our game," said Domenech. "We have a lot of things to improve and we can do better.
"The Irish were tough to control but they were predictable.
"However the Swiss have a more varied game so we will have to be more
concentrated and united than ever.
"It will be less easy to get organised against the Swiss than it was against the Irish."
Back in Paris today, Domenech was reluctant to enter into a celebratory spirit, despite Henry's fine winning goal which gave France a 1-0 margin of victory.
The Republic are now three points adrift of France, with their qualifying hopes fading, while Israel are a point behind the French, albeit having played one more match than the rest of the top four.
"We are now in the same situation as we were ahead of the Ireland match," said Domenech.
"If we miss out on our match in Switzerland, we could be in big trouble.
"Also we should not forget that the Swiss will play against the Irish. Everything remains possible.
"This match (against Ireland) was just another stage of the competition and we must clear the next hurdle if we want to keep our hopes alive.
"We have two matches left and any mistake could be fatal."
The Euro 2000 winners have failed to convince at either the 2002 World Cup or last summer's European Championships, which perhaps explained Domenech's cautious stance.
