France were denied a goal before conceding one to a 1-1 tie in their World Cup Group G match against South Korea, French coach Raymond Domenech said on Sunday.
"We did not score one goal but two," the France coach told a news conference. "The problem is that the referee only allowed us one."
In 32 minutes, a header by midfielder Patrick Vieira from a corner appeared to cross the line before Korean keeper Lee Won-jae pushed it out, and Mexican referee Benito Archundia ruled to continue the play.
"We could have been and should have been and normally would have been 2-0 up," said striker Thierry Henry, who put France 1-0 ahead with a goal after nine minutes.
"At that moment we were clearly putting them under pressure," Domenech said. "We did exactly what we had to. If that goal had been allowed, we would have been in control. That was clearly a turning point in the match."
South Korea grabbed a late equaliser in the 81st minute through Park Ji-sung as he got his toe on a ball that looped over goalkeeper Fabien Barthez's reach and defender William Gallas failed to clear it on the line.