<i>Les Blues</i> not thankful

Argentina's mercurial midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme (R) holds off his marker Bolivia's Nicolas Suarez during their World Cup 2010 qualifier at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday.Photo: AFP

France forward Thierry Henry rejected the idea that Les Bleus owe a few words of thanks to Italy after the Azzurri's 2-1 defeat of Scotland saw both sides book their place at Euro 2008.
France have been celebrating Saturday's result at Hampden Park but Les Bleus' record goalscorer rejects any claims that they should be grateful.
"Nobody sent us to the European Championships," declared Henry on French television channel TF1.
"I've read comments such as 'grazie mille' (a million thanks). But no, Italy qualified themselves and France qualified themselves."
Henry phoned a friend to get the result of the Scotland game said: "My first reaction was: 'Oh! What a relief!' It's a reward for a season and a half or two of hard work."
Coach Raymond Domenech was delighted at Christian Panucci's last-gasp winner which broke Scottish hearts.
He found out the result after watching next opponents Ukraine take on Lithuania in Kaunas, but admitted that qualification was somewhat bittersweet.
"We're qualified and that's a relief," he told www.fff.fr. "But it's also true to say that I feel there's something missing.
"I didn't jump up with joy in the stands at Kaunas and I would have done in Ukraine if we had gained qualification in our last match.
"But thanks to Italy for playing their best and right until the death in Scotland."
Domenech added that there would have been advantages to his side having to travel to Ukraine with their fate still in the balance.
"A team builds itself in difficulty as well," he said.
"I'm happy but at the same time a bit disappointed. The match in Ukraine would have been a good experience for the squad, it would have been like a cup match which would have been a good stepping stone.
"It's a regret but I'm not going to be too upset about it."
Domenech enjoyed celebratory champagne on the flight home, and has given his players leave to enjoy themselves too. "I am glad this generation has reached the finals," he said. "The French football system still works and nurtures top-quality youngsters. [On Sunday] we can rest and celebrate. On Monday and Tuesday we start preparing for the Euro."
But he could hardly resist a jibe at the Italians saying, “They won because my words motivated them,” after earlier this week labelling them [Italy]"draw specialists."
Not content with that, Domenech decided to stir things further. “I didn't see the game, as I prefer not to force myself to sit through too many ugly things.”
On the other hand Italy's combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said that the only downside of them qualifying was helping France qualify too.
Domenech was banned for one game for accusing Italy of bribing a referee of an under-21 qualifying match for the 2000 Olympics. He predicted a draw on Saturday and also said Italy had "proved me wrong for once".
Gattuso told reporters: "I am proud of reaching qualification with this national team. But it annoys because I know we have also helped France qualify.
"Domenech always has to say something, he doesn't deserve to go through really. Now I hope we will play them again in the Euros and give them a lesson."