Domenech plays down favourites tag

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

France's victories over Spain and defending champions Brazil have led many - including Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari - to deem them the team most likely to claim the trophy.

Domenech, though, was unimpressed by the label.  "It was you [journalists] who put that label on us, not ourselves," he said this evening.

"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 the 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.

Scolari admits convincing his players they can emulate the achievement of homeland Brazil four years ago is the biggest obstacle to them claiming a place in the World Cup final.

"My first job has been to try and help the players to see where the limits are," Scolari said.

"Then I must help them to get near the limits and then to reach the limits. Once they manage to surpass the limits then they will realise there are no limits to what they can achieve."

The manager will be able to bolster his team with midfielders Deco and Costinha, who missed the quarter-final win over England after being sent off against Holland in the last 16 match.

Costinha will likely slot in for Petit, who is suspended for the semi-final and Scolari did not rule out making tactical changes for the match with France.

"They [France] are a team of quality," he said. "We have seen how they controlled the games [against Spain and Brazil], they really play as a team.

"It might be necessary for the team to adapt itself to the circumstances again because France are a very strong team and have prepared well.

"They are very fast and have a very good spirit in their team but we do as well. We have to work as a team and in football you never know which team is going to win.

"If you look at the history books then France must be favourites to win when you consider all they have achieved, but Portugal have also done some good things.

"We will be positive and try and change the history of this fixture," said Scolari. "The favourites don't always win."  PA