French defender and third choice keeper Cedric Carrasso pulled out of training yesterday - both with muscle worries.

Training was taking place in Knysna and half way through Gallas walked off with the problem. "It's a muscle problem, nothing serious," a team spokesman said without elaborating.

When trying to track down Gallas for a comment it was like watching a Benny Hill sketch - he was running form the press refusing to speak to the media. We suspect him walking off was more precautionary then anything else.

When the training session had finished, the players, the players went straight back into their bus without stopping to sign autographs to waiting fans. It appears the stubbornness of Galls in not speaking with the media has spread through the squad and now means supporters are ignored too.

France are in Group A and play their next match against Mexico on Thursday in Polokwane.