Probe into France World Cup failure
Health and sports minister says 'lessons need to be learned' as in-fighting sends French team crashing out of tournament
A FULL investigation is to be launched into France's disastrous World Cup performance, after the team crashed out of the tournament last night.
Les Bleus drew one match and lost two, coming bottom of their group and scoring just one goal in four-and-a-half hours of play.
The team's 2-1 defeat by hosts South Africa yesterday came after a rebellion by players at the weekend which caught the attention of the international media.
The squad refused to train together after Nicolas Anelka was sent home for verbally abusing manager Raymond Domenech.
Health and Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot said an independent inquiry would be set up to examine what went wrong.
She said the tournament had been a "catastrophe" for France and a full audit would be launched on her return to Paris.
"Those responsible for this disaster need to face the consequences," she told Europe 1. "Lessons need to be learned - I will see to that."
Speaking to TF1, she added: "The French team is in ruins, physically and mentally. We need to rebuild everything."
Only 4% of French people believed that France had what it takes to lift the cup, according to a poll shortly before the tournament.
Two retail chains, Carrefour and Saturn, had launched a promotional campaign promising customers a free TV if France won. The Bleus' performance has saved them some money.
