France to play for pride and hope for a miracle, admits Domenech

Cape Town, June 18(ANI): After a disappointing campaign in the World Cup's group stages, France coach Raymond Domenech has said that his team will now be playing for pride and hope for a miracle.

France, World Cup winners in 1998 and runners-up four years ago, followed a 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their opening game with another uninspiring display where they lost to Mexico 0-2.

"Qualification is no longer in our own hands, but for the sake of French pride we must still play to our very best in our next match against South Africa," The Sun quoted Domenech, as saying.

"There is an infinitesimally small chance we can go through, but we are greatly disappointed with our performance tonight. We really struggled and I don't have any explanations for that right now. There's one match left," he added.

Defeat leaves France with just one point from two games, and facing the possibility of an embarrassing exit.

Meanwhile, Uruguay and Mexico meet in their last group game knowing a point will send them both into the last 16.

France play hosts South Africa in their final group game on Tuesday.

"We have to be strong and at least play for our honour. At least we must show something in the last match," Domenech said. (ANI)