A result that will have spread laughter across Ireland and gloom from Marseilles to Calais. Everything that was suspected about Raymond Domenech's team came true in Polokwane - which means ‘place of refuge' but which came to be France's tomb in this World Cup. Domenech brought back Florent Malouda, who was left out of the goalless draw with Uruguay but it was not nearly enough. 

Mexico looked far sharper and far more of a team. Javier Hernandez struck the opening goal and once Eric Abidal gave away a penalty, France realised the game and the tournament was up. They still have a chance of sneaking through but the post match comments of captain, Patrice Evra, that he “no longer believes in miracles” are hardly the words Churchill or a De Gaulle would have employed.