Mexes takes blame for embarrassing France defeat

By Patrick Vignal

CLAIREFONTAINE, France (Reuters) - Defender Philippe Mexes said on Sunday he was to blame for France's humiliating 3-1 defeat by Austria in a World Cup qualifier.

Mexes added that the players stood by embattled coach Raymond Domenech, who managed to keep his job after his side's group-stage exit from Euro 2008 but still faces an uncertain future.

Mexes was involved in the first goal conceded by the World Cup runners-up on Saturday in Vienna and was responsible for the penalty that enabled Austria to seal their first victory over France in 38 years.

French media reacted to the defeat by saying Domenech would be axed if France failed to beat Serbia in their next Group Seven qualifier on Wednesday in Paris.

Mexes said, however, that Domenech could not be held responsible for what happened in a match in which Austria hardly created a chance outside three set pieces that led to as many goals.

"I accept responsibility for my mistakes," the AS Roma player told reporters. "What happened was more my fault than the coach's fault. All the players trust him."

The 26-year-old, who had been left out of France's Euro 2008 squad, said he realised he would probably not play against Serbia. "I'll accept whatever choice the coach makes," he said.

Domenech, who had fielded a rejuvenated side in the hope they would rise to the occasion, did not meet the press on Sunday at the team's base outside Paris.