BACKING BARTHEZ

Coach Raymond Domenech's proteges conceded their first defeat in 19 months when they clumsily bowed 2-1 to Slovakia in Paris on March 1.

The result proved the French are vulnerable and can hardly be considered among the World Cup favourites despite being one of the eight seeded teams in the draw.

France are in Group G with Switzerland, South Korea and debutants Togo.

Domenech recently said he already knows the composition of his 23-player squad.

"I know which names should be on my list," he said. "I even know what the starting team should be for the opening match against Switzerland (on June 13)," he said.

For that game, Domenech will have to decide who is his first-choice goalkeeper, Olympique Marseille's Fabien Barthez or Olympique Lyon's Gregory Coupet.

Desailly said the 1998 veteran deserves to remain number one, saying: "My preference goes to Barthez. What he did for France must inspire some respect. He is close to the end of his career while Coupet still has a few years ahead of him."

Barthez, who has played 77 times for France, will be 36 in June.

"There is no risk for Domenech to opt for Barthez. He can rely on two top-notch goalkeepers," Desailly said.