Domenech agrees new France deal

France coach Raymond Domenech has been rewarded for leading Les Bleus to the FIFA World Cup final by having his contract extended until 2010.

'Total confidence'
"French football has total confidence in the man who took the French team to the FIFA World Cup final and who has started the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign so well," the French Football Federation announced.

France surprise
Domenech, the former France Under-21 coach, took charge of the senior side on 12 July 2004. After a difficult start in the job, he surprised many by leading France to the FIFA World Cup final in Berlin, where they were unfortunate to lose on penalties against Italy. A two-year renewal option on his contract was activated following the final, and that has now been increased by a further two years, giving him the opportunity to lead France to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Italy revenge
France are second in qualifying Group B for UEFA EURO 2008™, having kicked off their campaign with victories against Georgia and Italy. They play group leaders Scotland on 7 October before hosting the Faroe Islands four days after that.