The future of France coach Raymond Domenech was left hanging in the balance on Saturday after a spirited Romania took a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw with the1998 FIFA World Cup winners.
Florentin Petre and Dorin Goian scored a goal apiece in a dominant first half to leave the hosts with the advantage after Franck Ribery had managed to claw a goal back for Les Bleus in the36th minute.
It took until the 69th minute for France to draw level thanks to a stunning 30-yard drive from Yoann Gourcuff, who chose arguably the best time to score his maiden international goal.
"I was worried in the first 15 minutes," admitted Domenech, whohad to shuffle his team when skipper Patrick Vieira was injured inthe warm-up.
"We had a few little worries, especially because of the Vieira injury and the team was very young. But I liked the spirit we showed in the second half and we proved that we have a future in qualifying," he added.
Barcelona forward Thierry Henry and Bayern Munich striker Franck Ribery both spurned chances late in the second half, duringwhich France appeared to find their rhythm after a conspicuously shaky first period. But on the face of their much stronger performance, Romania were unlucky not to steal all three points.
After picking up a point each, the result will do little to boost the group hopes of either team. France and Romania both now have a paltry four points from three games.
Domenech's future as coach of the 1998 FIFA World Cup winners has been in doubt since France exited this summer's Euro 2008 after the first round. Calls for his head to roll gathered pace after France were stunned 3-1 by Austria in their opening World Cup qualifier.
Source: Xinhua
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