Domenech also said his team is not the favorite _ even though it beat Spain and defending champion Brazil in the last two rounds.

"Our objective remains July 9. But we need to perform even more to get there," Domenech said. "We're happy with what we have done, but you need to move onto other things."

At least Domenech and Gallas agree on that.

"It's not because we beat Brazil that we are the favorites," Gallas said.

The criticism of the French team after two dull opening draws angered Domenech, but Gallas said it brought the players closer together.

"It's a shame, instead of supporting the team, we were heavily criticized by the press, by the people back home," Gallas said. "But in our minds, we knew what we wanted to do, and we answered the right way."

All the way to the semifinals.