Having limped into the tournament on the back of a controversial play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland, courtesy of Thierry Henry’s infamous handball, Les Bleus have struggled for inspiration in South Africa.

An opening goalless draw against Uruguay was shrugged off on the basis they had started the last World Cup sluggishly but eventually finished runners-up.

However, there was no hiding the problems against the lively Mexicans.

“It was a moment of failure of a whole group because us we did not know how to present an answer at the moment when it was needed,” said the Lyon midfielder, who will be suspended for the final group game against South Africa after collecting his second booking last night.

Captain Patrice Evra agreed with that assessment, with the Manchester United defender adding: “There’s no doubt we lacked concentration.

“The whole team is at fault for this defeat – all 13 players who played.”

A draw between Group A leaders Uruguay and Mexico on Tuesday will be enough to send France home early, but Toulalan said even if that happened it would not be his worst experience with the national team.

That came two years ago when they finished bottom of a group which contained Holland, Italy and Romania at the European Championships.

“My worst disappointment remains Euro 2008,” said the 26-year-old.

“Mathematically there remains still a possibility [France can qualify].

“Even if all is not finished everyone knows from now on a miracle would be necessary for us to progress.”

In the wake of the Mexico defeat the France team has been roundly criticised by some of the country’s greatest players.

Bixente Lizarazu, a World Cup winner on home soil in 1998, said “the French team was well off course with their heads in a bucket”.

Legend Zinedine Zidane reserved his criticism for Domenech, whose six-year reign will end with France’s elimination as he is to be replaced by former Bordeaux coach – and Zidane’s team-mate in the triumphant 1998 side – Laurent Blanc.

The former Real Madrid midfielder said the coach had blundered by dropping Yoann Gourcuff, denying the side creativity.

“The coach made the decision but I don’t agree with it,” he said.

“France did not play well, but they were against a very good team. Mexico were superior to France especially physically.

“I am disappointed because France did not have a single shot on goal and that should be the least to be expected.”

France’s World Cup-winning coach Aime Jacquet did not just blame Domenech for the problems.

“Raymond Domenech has his share of the responsibility. It was him who made the project; he set up everything he wanted, and quite simply it failed,” he told France Football.

“I also sincerely believe that many of the players need to ask themselves some questions.”

Mexico, however, are on the verge of progressing to the knockout stage for sixth successive occasion, although they have not got past the second round since 1986.

New Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, who scored the opening goal last night, said the win had proved a valuable point to the players.

“Aside from the victory, which I believe is of great importance, we know we have the ability to play against quality opponents,” said the 22-year-old, who will officially complete his £7m move from Chivas next month.

“I had the fortune of scoring but it was the work the group put in. Here one player does not score but rather the whole team scores.”

Prior to the match coach Javier Aguirre had promised to attack France and his side was true to his word, playing some fluent football.

“We always try to be audacious to put the ball in the net and we do run risks,” he said.

Arsenal forward Carlos Vela is a doubt for the final group game against Uruguay after limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, while midfielder Efrain Juarez is suspended.

“I’m very worried for Vela and the team about his injury,” Aguirre added.

“We still have to wait for the confirmation from the doctor with a more detailed examination, but from what he says it’s a muscle injury.”