It’s ridiculous. Raymond Domenech guided France to the final of the 2006 World Cup, but throughout this tournament he has been unable to find a winning formula. France’s poor performances have tainted his reputation.

The real test of a coach is how he copes in adversity. Can he spot mistakes and quickly correct them? The answer in Domenech’s case is no. But then he made blunders even before the first ball was kicked. Some of his squad selections were baffling. It’s fine to have one untested youngster — Bafétimbi Gomis, who was to France what Theo Walcott was to England in Germany — but at the expense of David Trezeguet? Why have Claude Makelele and Jérémy Toulalan when Mathieu Flamini can do what they do — and more?

The French are rightly praised for their ability to churn out young talent. But these promising kids start their careers in the French league, which is weak, far below the standard of the top European divisions. It’s not a good grounding for high-level international football. So Domenech picks the likes of Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema and Toulalan because they have starred at home, and finds out that they are not ready for Les Bleus.

Meanwhile, the experienced stars who have shone for Europe’s elite clubs, the Thierry Henrys, Lilian Thurams and Makeleles, are past their prime. Youngsters who are too young, veterans who are too old, a coach who has lost the plot. Hardly a recipe for success, even though, man for man, this squad might be worth more in the transfer market than any other in this tournament.

Domenech has not known his best team — players have started, been dropped, come back in again. So much tinkering breeds insecurity and confusion, and that spells trouble.

Yesterday, Éric Abidal, the full back left out after the draw with Romania, was in at centre back. He was a disaster. Yet he was picked ahead of Jean-Alain Boumsong. He may well be the French Titus Bramble, but at least Boumsong has the height and physical presence to deal with Luca Toni.

When Abidal was sent off, Domenech substituted Nasri — a substitute. How ridiculous to take off a creative player when you are chasing the game while employing two holding midfield players as it is.

Even if Domenech is replaced, the new breed of French youngsters is not good enough to replicate the amazing success the country has enjoyed over the past decade. After the golden era, this result marks the start of some dark days.