Hope players show their love for France: Coach Domenech

Things are getting from bad to worse for France and coach Raymond Domenech. Following the players' bust-upu00a0 during a training session on Sunday, Domenech had to attend the customary press conference on the eve of their match against South Africa without skipper Patrice Evra.

FIFA is reportedly launching an investigation into the defender's absence.

"It's difficult in the context. The players have used up a lot of energy on all this," Domenech said.

The coach revealed that his selection would be decided upon by "the quality of training this morning," before stating he could only hope that his players would be ready for the challenge.

"I hope with all my heart, that they are ready to show they love the France team."

With so much going on within the French team, many are debating about the kind of control Domenech still has over the team.

"If I tell you, you will not believe me," he said. "I have always done so, nobody has ever dictated my list and it will be like that tomorrow. I'll play the team the staff and I want," he said yesterday.

"This is a match we must prepare for, we'll see tomorrow. I have not made the team."

Domenech was also asked whether he would strip Patrice Evra of the captaincy.

"There will be a discussion tonight, we'll see. Again, this is not a problem of trust, but rather a question of psychological and physical condition to play the game."

France have a slim hope of qualifying and will have to rely on the goal difference and a favourable result from the Mexico-Uruguay game apart from beating South Africa by a comfortable margin tonight.