World Cup 2010

France Coach Raymond Domenech Cautious Despite Crucial Win Over Ireland

The tactician has warned his players that Ireland still pose a threat despite their first-leg triumph...

Nov 15, 2009 3:18:28 PM

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Raymond Domenech (France)

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Raymond Domenech

France coach Raymond Domenech has urged his side to be weary of complacency, despite a 1-0 win over Ireland in Saturday's World Cup 2010 play-off encounter edging Les Bleus ever closer to South Africa.

A deflected shot from Nicolas Anelka midway through the second half was enough to hand Domenech’s side a crucial advantage to take back to Paris for the second leg on Wednesday evening.

However, despite the strong position in which France find themselves, the former Lyon coach is refusing to allow his players to take qualification for granted.

He commented to journalists after the match, “I feel we are only halfway through. The objective is to qualify.

“There are 180 minutes, with ninety to go. The Irish played very well and are very much able to react so we must be vigilant.”

Barcelona's Thierry Henry echoed the sentiments of his coach, and also praised the determination of the Irish.

“We have seen that Ireland are a difficult team to beat and they didn’t lose a game in the whole of qualifying so what we did today is nice,” the striker said.

He added, “There are still 90 minutes to go so it will be a tough game for us in Paris. We wanted to play in the first half but you have to give the Irish team credit, they did not let us play our game.”

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com