Deschamps signs two year deal with France

  • Singaporean filmmaker gets 15-minute standing ovation at Cannes

    Singaporean director Anthony Chen described as “surreal” the 15-minute standing ovation that followed the world premiere of his debut feature film "Ilo Ilo" at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. Though the ending of the premiere couldn’t have been more perfect, the 29-year-old Chen said the beginning was quite “nerve-wrecking” as it was marred by technical glitches.

  • COE prices up for all cars

    COE prices up for all cars

    COE prices up for all cars

    Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices for small and big cars rose in the latest bidding exercise Wednesday.

  • Shane Todd's family abandoning coroner's inquiry

    Shane Todd's family abandoning coroner's inquiry

    Shane Todd's family abandoning coroner's inquiry

    The family of Shane Todd, a U.S. scientist found hanged dead in Singapore last year, will not participate in the remainder of a coroner’s inquiry into his death.

  • SMRT to conduct full-scale inspection of NSEW rail network

    SMRT to conduct full-scale inspection of NSEW rail network

    SMRT to conduct full-scale inspection of NSEW rail network

    SMRT will embark on a full-scale inspection of the entire North-South and East-West lines to detect any potential rail cracks.

  • AVA stops sale of brand of Taiwan bubble tea pearls

    AVA stops sale of brand of Taiwan bubble tea pearls

    AVA stops sale of brand of Taiwan bubble tea pearls

    The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has stopped the sale of a brand of tapioca balls commonly used to make Taiwan bubble tea in Singapore. In a Facebook post on Monday, the AVA said it had informed the local importers of Sunright brand tapioca balls -- commonly known as "pearls" -- to withdraw them from sale.

France's new coach Didier Deschamps on Monday signed a two year contract with Les Bleus, with an additional two years should he succeed in qualifying the side for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The 43-year-old, who captained France to the 1998 World Cup title and Euro 2000, put pen to paper 24 hours after being named as the successor to Laurent Blanc, who stood down after Euro 2012.

Deschamps, who became the favourite to succeed his fellow World Cup and Euro winning team-mate Blanc when he quit as coach of Marseille last Monday, appeared at a press conference alongside France Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet.

The French football chief confirmed: "He (Deschamps) will be manager for two years with a further two years if we qualify for the World Cup."

Deschamps, who since hanging up his boots has had spells managing Serie A giants Juventus and Monaco, told the press conference: "The players no longer have the right to make mistakes."

That comment is a reference to France's implosion after a player mutiny at the 2010 World Cup, and the renewed discord in the camp at Euro 2012 which ended prematurely for Blanc's men when they were beaten by eventual winners Spain in the quarter-finals.

Deschamps' first task will be to prepare the squad for a high profile friendly with Copa America champions and World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay in Le Havre on August 15 while their first World Cup qualifier is against Finland on September 7.

However, with just one automatic qualifying spot up for grabs in the shape of group winners, France face a tough task to take that one as two-time European champions and World Cup holders Spain are in the same group.

Belarus and Georgia are the other two sides.

Loading...
  • Singaporean filmmaker gets 15-minute standing ovation at Cannes

    Singaporean director Anthony Chen described as “surreal” the 15-minute standing ovation that followed the world premiere of his debut feature film "Ilo Ilo" at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday. Though the ending of the premiere couldn’t have been more perfect, the 29-year-old Chen said the beginning was quite “nerve-wrecking” as it was marred by technical glitches.

  • Water Wally and Singapore’s campaign obsession

    The schoolboy, the hawker auntie, the young lady and the taxi uncle – the spasms began as soon as Water Wally popped up in the background, lurking in the corner of every frame. First shocked, then jubilant, they found their … Continue reading →

  • Woman confronted London attackers to deflect danger

    Woman confronted London attackers to deflect danger

    Woman confronted London attackers to deflect danger

    A woman who challenged knife-wielding assailants suspected of hacking to death a British soldier in London on Wednesday said she intervened because "it was better having them (the weapons) aimed on one person".