Domenech shuns favourites tag

Raymond Domenech has played down France’s tag as the new World Cup favourites ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final with Portugal.

Les Bleus’ victories over Spain and defending champions Brazil have led many - including the coach of tomorrow’s semi-final opponents Portugal, Luiz Felipe Scolari – to anoint them as the team most likely to claim the trophy on July 9 in Berlin.

Domenech was unimpressed by the label, telling a press conference this evening: “It was you [journalists] who put that label on us, not ourselves.

“Mr Scolari may say that but Brazil are the world champions at the moment.

“He [Scolari led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup] is a World Cup winner himself as a coach.”

Looking forward to Wednesday’s match in Munich, Domenech added: “The players know each other well – they know each other’s weaknesses and strengths because they play in the same leagues and for the same clubs, but there are no favourites.

“I am not worried about labels and, after the Switzerland match, you were giving us a different label.”

France were much-criticised following a 0-0 draw with Switzerland in their opening Group G match in Stuttgart.