France wrap up preparations with shock defeat to China

France 0 China 1

Deng Zhuoxiang’s 68th-minute goal was enough to hand Raymond Domenech and his team defeat in their third and final warm-up match, a week before their tournament opener against Uruguay. Les Bleus were already heading to South Africa in disarray following a dismal performance in the qualifiers – particularly against Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland – and their confidence has taken another knock of late.

Last night’s defeat capped a series of disappointing results which has seen them held to a 1-1 draw by Tunisia and come from behind to narrowly beat Costa Rica 2-1.