French press dismiss Domenech’s ‘work in progress’ excuse

The French media were very much impressed by the Irish performance on Saturday, but were a little harsher in assessing their fellow countrymen. Hugh Delaney reports.

FRENCH newspapers were quick to concede that Ireland could and should have won Saturday’s match with Ireland, with both L’Equipe and Le Figaro newspapers also dwelling on the important part played by the considerable Irish travelling support.

“The Irish national anthem, sung by the evening’s 30,000 visitors, set the tone in the stands for the rest of the match,” commented Le Figaro.