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Romania revival will earn Domenech reprieve – media

PARIS (AFP) – Raymond Domenech, who is set to have talks with French football authorities over his future, will keep his post after France’s draw against Romania, according to sports daily L’Equipe on Monday.

The coach, under heavy pre-match scrutiny in light of France’s dismal showing at Euro 2008 and a poor start to World Cup qualifiers, looked all but out of a job after the first 20 minutes against Romania on Saturday.

Two early goals from Florentin Petre and Dorin Goian stunned a flat-footed France side, as a worried-looking Domenech ominously paced the sidelines.

But a goal from Franck Ribery and a stunning 30-yard strike in the 69th minute by Yoann Gourcuff rounded off a gutsy Gallic comeback.

"It looks good for Raymond," beamed L’Equipe’s front-page headline with a photograph of a smiling Domenech, who will meet with officials from the French footballing federation (FFF) on Wednesday.

"To have a great team, you need great players," Fernand Duchaussoy, a French league official, told l’Equipe.

"I have the feeling, and I’m not alone in this, that we saw a French team capable of going all the way … so why break up this dynamic?"

That was a sentiment reiterated by Thierry Henry.

"Against Serbia, we already saw something," the Barcelona star told the sports daily on Monday.

"We weathered a storm in the first 20 minutes (against Romania). We showed that this team has character, that it was capable of scoring."

Gourcuff, a player championed by Domenech, couldn’t have picked a better time to score his maiden international goal and repay his boss’s faith.

"Domenech gave a chance to Yoann Gourcuff and he didn’t fail. He could even have been a big help to the coach," added Henry.

And with Domenech telling a press conference on Monday that his team were still under intense pressure – every piece of help will be crucial.

France face Tunisia on Wednesday in a friendly in Paris, with Karim Benzema doubtful to feature after taking a knock in training.

In Group Seven, France sit fourth on four points, with their next qualifier against Lithuania in March 2009.

Written by: AFP

Tags: Ligue 1, WC Qualifying Europe, World Cup

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