PARIS, Apr 3: France beat 1994 World Cup semlfinalfsts | Sweden 1-0 here in their friendly on Wednesday but the I 1998 world Cup hosts won by a Youri Djorkaeff penalty that shouldnl have been awarded, reports AFP.

The controversial incident happened when Djorkaeff fell after he had jumped over Sweden's veteran keeper Thomas Raveli, making his 137th appearance just 10 short of the world record held by Saudi Arabian Majed Abdullah, although no contact was made and the Inter Milan player fell over his won feet.

Djorkaeff got to his feet and was preparing to cross when he realised that the Belgian referee Marnix Sandra had blown for a penalty.

Though he didn't appeal to the referee that it wasn't a penalty as Liverpool's Robbie Fowler had done in the Premiership match with Arsenal 10 days ago. the 29-year-old Djot'kaeff admitted Tatef that'll wasn't a penalty.

"It wasn't a penalty. I was trying to avoid Ravelli and I lost my balance. I told Ravelli it wasn't a penalty and he agreed with me/ Djorkaeff said.