Claude Makelele admitted the absence of suspended playmaker Zinedine Zidane was a big blow to France ahead of the must-win Group C clash with an already eliminated Togo.

FRANCE manager Raymond Domenech paid Ireland the tribute of suggesting they have shown the best form in the group after three series of matches.

IRELAND will march confidently into the magnificent Stade de France tonight with spirits high and ambition soaring to face a French team reeling amid charges of mis-management.

Switzerland 1 France 3

EVEN if Scarborough score this afternoon, there will be no blue moon.