"You never have any excuses when you don't qualify but before you accuse us wait until we have committed a crime," Domenech told reporters.

France need to win by two clear goals to make sure they advance to the last 16. Another early exit, following their first-round elimination four years ago, could spell the end for Domenech.

The 54-year-old has ignored the criticism he has received since taking over from Jacques Santini after France's quarter-final exit from Euro 2004.

Domenech came underfire for saving his first comments for one of the team's sponsors, a mobile phone operator, after naming his World Cup squad last month.

More negative headlines followed France's dull draws with Switzerland [Images] and South Korea.

Domenech said his team were not helped by poor refereeing decisions against the Swiss.

"He is probably saying all these things to try to distract people but he'd be better off concentrating on his own problems," said Swiss striker Marco Streller.

STRANGE MOVE

Domenech has also been criticised for making a strange move in added time against South Korea on Sunday, taking off captain Zinedine Zidane [Images] and sending on David Trezeguet for a few seconds.

Zidane, who will retire after the finals and might have played his last match, walked past Domenech without a look or a sign on his way to the dressing rooms.

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Trezeguet, who knew he would hardly have time to touch the ball, laughed when he inherited Zidane's armband.

"I was thinking about the future and sending a message that some had to prepare for the match against Togo," Domenech said when asked for an explanation.

The grey-haired coach shrugged off suggestions that relations between him and Zidane had become tense.

"That's pure speculation," said Domenech. "I've been reading that for two years. I don't mind."

One of the hardest tacklers in French soccer as a player, Domenech is also frequently reminded he has only won a second division title with Olympique Lyon in more than 20 years as a coach.

World Cup debutants Togo have already been eliminated.