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Wind of change blowing for France

Les Bleus, who made an embarrassing early exit in South Africa after Nicolas Anelka was kicked out of the squad for insulting coach Raymond Domenech, top their qualifying Group D after a 2-0 home win over Romania on Saturday.

"Were are creating something," new coach Laurent Blanc told reporters after France's first win at the Stade de France in almost a year.

"We need to re-invest this energy because there will be difficult periods. But for the moment there's a lot of pleasure."

"There is a deep change," winger Florent Malouda said.

"Yes, there is a Laurent Blanc effect. There is a young squad, everybody is involved," he told reporters.

"It's a position I like, I started my career as a central midfielder. Although I have been on the right flank at Arsenal, playing in a central position is what suits me best," he said.

"We were patient and it paid off," Diarra said.

"We must continue to win and it will ease the pressure on the team," Diarra said.

"We want France to be back among the top teams. We must not rest on our laurels and continue to win. We have to get used to victory."