Desailly - France will boucne back (Allsport)

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France captain Marcel Desailly insisted his team would bounce back from the horror of first-round World Cup elimination.

The nation is in shock after the defending champions finished Group A rooted to the bottom, having collected just a single point and failed to score.

It was a disastrous end to what promised to be a exciting title defence for Roger Lemerre's side.

Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Denmark followed a 1-0 reverse by debutants Senegal and a goalless draw against Uruguay.

It meant that the Danes and Africans progressed into the second round, sparking a massive inquest into what went wrong for the French.

Desailly claims that rather than the squad losing ability, they simply failed to perform anywhere near potential.

He said: "It's a disappointment, of course. France eliminated in the first round without scoring a goal...It's clear that the machine has jammed.

"The team tried to play, but we can't seem to be able to play as much.

"And when we do play the ball is not quick and forceful enough. There are a few little things we have to change, I think.

"But the world champions eliminated in the first round, it is astonishing.

"It's a massive disappointment for us and for the French fans watching our progress on television as well."

The Chelsea defender was adamant the setback does not signal then end of French dominance, but he conceded changes would have to be made.

He added: "It is a catastrophe, but it is not an end of an era at all.

"Whatever is said, the players that we had here were the best in the world.

"Four or five will probably retire from international football due to tiredness or their age is catching up with them."

The 33-year-old also felt a lack of competitive action over the last two years contributed to the premature exit.

As 1998 winners, they did not have to qualify for Japan and Korea, and could only play friendlies after Euro 2000.

"Friendly matches for two years perhaps misled us to the real difficulty of competition," he said.

He also vowed to continue playing for the national team for the time being, saying: "The national team is too important to me and I think I (still) have good things to give this French team."