With the likes of Spain, Portugal and Holland illuminating the early stages of the tournament with eye-catching, attacking football, Les Bleus' pragmatic and defensive approach has drawn criticism from many quarters.

The goalless bore draw against Romania in their opening Group C clash was arguably the dullest match of the tournament so far, and even a section of France's own fans jeered their team off the pitch after the final whistle.

But Sagnol remains unperturbed, maintaining that sides who adopt a more gung-ho style of football often get found out in major tournaments.

"What's the most important thing, the show or the result?" said the Bayern Munich right-back.

"In the 2006 World Cup, we weren't the most spectacular team and neither were Italy, but both of us got to the final.

"I remember in that World Cup, Spain and Argentina were spectacular in the group stages and then they collapsed in the second phase.

"We hear the same things time and again, especially in France. But we are trying to work on this and be less shy in the next few matches.

"Maybe it is better to have a slow start and improve. At one point or another, we will find the net because we haven't much time."

Greece's success at Euro 2004 maybe backs up Sagnol's comments but France will have to show more hustle going forward against Holland - and then Italy in their final group match - if they are to reach the last eight.

Certainly Les Bleus' fans will be unhappy if their side continues to labour in attack, despite the presence of exciting talents such as Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery in the team.

"I am not going to criticise our supporters," said coach Raymond Domenech.

"In some countries, the national team has strong support but there are different cultures.

"We have work to do on the French culture. We need a relationship with our fans but it takes time."

With Henry and captain Patrick Vieira available again after thigh injuries, Domenech should finally be able to put out his strongest starting XI.

And they will need to be at their best if they are to suppress the confidence flowing through the Dutch camp following their 3-0 win over world champions Italy in the opening game.

Domenech claims he wants to see an "open" match but admits the result of the earlier pool game tomorrow between Romania and the Italians could have a significant bearing.

"It might have an influence on us and the Dutch," he said.

"We are tied to that result one way or the other, then we can do the maths.

"But we know what we need to do. We are playing a confident team with talented players but all I can say is that we will do our best."

Domenech added: "Being in danger and having such doubts can be a good thing. Too much assurance can be bad for a team.

"You need some doubts ahead of big matches - fear and respect, it's all there.

"That's how it's been since the draw six months ago. We know it isn't an easy group."

France, who have a fully-fit squad for the Holland match, began their 2006 World Cup campaign with a draw against Switzerland but qualified from their group.

Sagnol hopes history can repeat itself two years on, saying: "We know that whatever the result is tomorrow (Friday), we won't qualify or be eliminated.

"We are not in big danger - a victory over Romania would have made it easier for us but over the past few years, we have been used to getting off to bad starts."