France draws 1-1 with Romania in WC qualifier
Monday, 7 September 2009
SAINT-DENIS, SEPT 6 (AP): Defender Julien Escude scored an own-goal Saturday to give Romania a 1-1 draw with France, which dropped more crucial points in its World Cup qualifying campaign. France looked in control after Thierry Henry scored in the 48th minute, but Escude slid in to intercept a cross from the right seven minutes later and turned the ball past startled goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
France has 14 points from seven games and trails Group 7 leader Serbia by four points. They play in Belgrade on Wednesday. Romania has eight points.
"Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn't. I don't know many teams who have as many chances as us in a match," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "It will happen for us. I'm not blaming anyone."
Domenech refused to accept the result damages France's chances of qualifying directly, even though the initiative is clearly with Serbia.
France has 14 points from seven games and trails Group 7 leader Serbia by four points. They play in Belgrade on Wednesday. Romania has eight points.
"Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it doesn't. I don't know many teams who have as many chances as us in a match," France coach Raymond Domenech said. "It will happen for us. I'm not blaming anyone."
Domenech refused to accept the result damages France's chances of qualifying directly, even though the initiative is clearly with Serbia.