France reflects on what might have been

France's players admitted frustration after failing to turn their dominance into victory against England in their Euro 2012 opener, but took heart from their reaction after falling behind.

Laurent Blanc's side enjoyed 60 percent of possession and registered 15 shots on target to England's one at Donbass Arena on Monday but had to settle for only a point after Samir Nasri canceled out Joleon Lescott's opener.

Prematch predictions had centered around the likelihood of England being made to defend for long periods and although it started the game brightly, Roy Hodgson's men were forced to retreat in the second half as France took control.

Both teams had insisted in the build-up that their opponents was the favorite but Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda admitted his side might have come away with all three points had it been more clinical.

"We're not really satisfied - it's a bit frustrating," said the 31-year-old, the most experienced player in France's squad with 78 caps.

"We wanted to win to start the competition well but looking at the start (of the match), it's a good result. We reacted well to England's goal.

"We had the possession but it wasn't enough. On a mental level, we weren't unsettled because the foundation of our play allows us to resume control at any moment. It was good to stay calm but we needed to do more."

His teammate Yohan Cabaye admitted to feeling "a bit disappointed", but Karim Benzema said France's ability to rediscover its passing rhythm after a difficult start was a good sign.

"The first few minutes were a bit timid from us and we paid the price," said the Real Madrid striker. "But then we got into it bit by bit, we managed to come back and we made quite a few chances.

"We just lacked a bit of luck, because we moved them around a lot by playing one-touch football.

"It's not a relief (to have avoided defeat). I hope that next time we'll score one more goal than our opponents."

The draw extended France's unbeaten run to 22 matches - the longest current stretch in international soccer and one which has helped erase memories of its disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign.

France had been buoyed by encouraging performances in its recent friendly wins over Serbia and Estonia, but captain Hugo Lloris said being able to reproduce such a level against England was a real mark of the side's progress.

"We played some really good stuff when you think about the last two years," he said. "Against a really big country, it's a good point."

Blanc conceded he felt "slightly disappointed" and said France had "played the most football" but he was encouraged by the displays of centerbacks Philippe Mexes and Adil Rami.

The pair have faced criticism over their recent performances and although they were tested by the movement and mobility of England forwards Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck, Blanc praised their application.

"We were aware that in the last two or three games they weren't at their best but we thought they would get back to fitness because they worked very hard," said Blanc.

"I'm very happy with the defensive pairing. They gave a great response. That's the best way to respond - on the pitch."

France's next Group D assignment sees it tackle Ukraine in Donetsk on Friday. The tournament co-host is top of Group D after its 2-1 victory against Sweden in Kiev.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 06/13/2012 page22)