Domenech wisdom daunts France

His tact and temperament may have been called into question over the years but few would deny that France coach Raymond Domenech understands football well.

Contrary character
This week, 19-year-old Karim Benzema has been the talk of France after scoring twice in Saturday's 6-0 win in the Faroe Islands, but his 53-year-old coach sounded a note of caution. "Five goals in three caps for a 19-year-old, he deserves congratulations, but he only scored against Austria and the Faroes – that doesn't prove anything." For many, that is classic Domenech – worrying when everything is going well and laughing when the world is collapsing around him.

Spot on
Another example came on 6 September last year as France avenged their 2006 FIFA World Cup final defeat with a 3-1 win against Italy at the Stade de France. While the rest of France was celebrating, the coach said: "This is the hardest group France were ever drawn in. It will go down to the wire and we'll probably have to snatch our ticket for UEFA EURO 2008™ on 21 November, in tricky conditions in Ukraine." As France prepare to face Lithuania tonight, it seems that his prediction was spot on.

Another prediction
The eight-times capped former France defender has led his side to third place in Group B, but with first-placed Scotland and second-placed Italy – both within two points of Les Bleus – yet to meet in Glasgow, Domenech knows that wins against Lithuania and Ukraine will guarantee his side a place in the finals. Of the upcoming trip to Odessa, he said: "One thing which could ease the way is that Ukraine are out after losing in Scotland. A good start from us could force them to capitulate." French fans will hope that prediction comes true as well.

'I needed that'
Regarded as a hate figure by opposition fans in his days as a player, Domenech used to enjoy creating tension. "When I was playing for Olympique Lyonnais in the derby at [AS] Saint-Etienne, I loved warming up alone near the fans who booed me. I stuck close to the advertising hoardings around the stadium and they booed more and more. I needed that."

Midas touch
Domenech has not always been popular with France fans as a coach since graduating from the Under-21 side to the senior national team, going through a rough spell early in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying, but few doubt his credentials. "He is the most capable person for the job," said former national team coach Aimé Jacquet. Only two defeats over 90 minutes in 43 competitive games – both against Scotland – would seem to confirm that assessment.