France show pedigree to thump Socceroos

The shellshocked Socceroos are adamant they can rise from the World Cup canvas after being floored 4-1 by reigning champions France. pure football perfection.

‘‘They are the previous world champions for a reason,’’ Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said. ‘‘They were just so much the 22nd minute when a scorching 20-metre shot from Mitch Duke swerved just outside the right post.

Five minutes later, the flow butchered control of a routine pass and, in a twinkling, France had scored.

‘‘I take full responsibility for the second goal,’’ Atkinson said.