World Cup 2010

Zinedine Zidane ‘Confident’ France Will Oust Ireland In World Cup Play-Off

'Zizou' believes that les Bleus will be on the plane to the World Cup next summer. He forecasts a tough game against Giovanni Trapattoni's side, but his nation will come through...

Nov 11, 2009 2:50:46 PM

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Zinedine Zidane - France (Daylife)

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Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane, France’s World Cup hero in 1998, has backed the present version of les Bleus to qualify for the South Africa jamboree next summer by defeating the Republic of Ireland over two legs.

Raymond Domenech’s men have endured a tough qualifying campaign, but they showed real signs of life in the latter games. ‘ZZ’ believes that a tough task is in store for les Bleus, but he thinks that they will come good.

“This will be particularly difficult because it will be a fight there [in Ireland],” he explained to France Football after a charity match in Amiens on Tuesday evening. “We'll have to resist and after that there will be the Stade de France. But I’m confident.

“I am confident because there is a good team. So, we all need to be calm and get behind them.”

Zidane rolled the years back by executing a stunning 25-yard free kick in his game, and les Bleus could really use a player of his legendary talent against the Irish.

The French will be without talisman Franck Ribery for the two fixtures against the Boys in Green, while there are also big question marks over the fitness of Jeremy Toulalan and Abou Diaby, both of whom remain with the squad for the time being.

In 13 all-time matches against the Irish, France only have a slight edge, winning five and drawing four.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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