Florent Malouda, Claude Makelele and Nicolas Anelka were all involved as France were beaten 4-1 by Group C leaders Holland on Friday night.

Deep-lying midfielder Makelele and left-winger Malouda were both starters for the French, but it was Holland who took an early lead through Dirk Kuyt, before Robin Van Persie made it two with 20 minutes remaining.

Nicolas Anelka was a late substitute but could do little to reverse the tide as the Dutch swept through France in Bern.

Thierry Henry pulled a goal back for France before former Chelsea man Arjen Robben smashed home a third for the Dutch and Wesley Sneijder sealed the win in injury time.

It was a famous victory that sealed Holland's place in the quarter-finals, while France must beat Italy if they are to stand a chance of progressing, following the Italians' draw with Romania, which featured an Adrian Mutu goal and missed penalty in the closing stages. Italy's goal was scored by former Blue Christian Panucci.