Dublin calling: Zidane hints at return

ZINEDINE ZIDANE has dropped a heavy hint that he might yet be persuaded out of retirement to play for France in the World Cup qualifier in Dublin on September 7.

The retired superstar of French football is quoted in the French press as saying: “You know, I would like to be in Dublin to play in Lansdowne Road, in front of 50,000 people, to help France win.

“I would like it, yes,” he added, “but it will not happen.”

Despite that apparently emphatic conclusion, the conflicting signals sent out by the comments are being interpreted in France as leaving the door open to what would be a sensational international comeback by the Real Madrid star.

The already embattled French manager Raymond Domenech will now face even more pressure to try to persuade Zidane to resume his international career.

Meanwhile, speaking from Frankfurt Airport yesterday, en route from Tel Aviv to Dublin, Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr struck a philosophical note about the 1-1 draw between Israel and France in the Ramat Gan stadium on Wednesday night.

“In some ways, no matter what the result, there would have been some benefit for us,” said Kerr.

“But usually when you’re competing with other teams in a situation like this you’re happiest when they draw. Anyway, I wasn’t there to see who won - I was more concerned with the teams and especially the changes in the French side.”

On the likelihood of David Trezeguet missing the game in Dublin, once the FIFA disciplinary committee review his red card for head-butting Ben Haim, Kerr says his absence wouldn’t pose as much of a problem for the French as it would for other teams.

“You saw what they had on the bench in Tel Aviv - Henry and Giuly - and they didn’t pick Pires. Also, Trezeguet didn’t play against us in Paris. They have enough strength in depth to cope, although losing him would not exactly help them either.”

Following Wednesday’s game, Israel also will be missing a couple of players through suspension when they come to Dublin on June 4.

“The loss of Ben Haim and Badeer isn’t necessarily a big problem for Israel against us,” said Kerr. “After our game, they dealt quite well without the three who were missing against France.”

While Kerr was in Tel Aviv, Lou Macari was watching Switzerland struggle to beat Cyprus with a late, late goal.

Said Kerr: “I had felt that, with Cyprus changing their manager, they were likely to become more competitive. The consolation for us in the late goal is that the Swiss didn’t get to score more, so we’ve narrowed our goal difference with them - we’ve scored five against Cyprus and the Faroes and they’ve scored six. In a group this tight, there could be something in that as well.

“This is still the tightest group. I got the sense out in Tel Aviv that people felt we were the best side in the group to play there but that means nothing unless we push on from here. Home advantage hasn’t really counted so far in the group and we have to make the most of it for the games against Israel, France and Switzerland.”

France coach Domenech believes the battle in Group Four could go down to the wire but insists his side must make the 2006 finals in Germany.

The Swiss and the Irish have a game in hand so have the opportunity to leap ahead of France before Les Bleus are next in action during the autumn, when the qualification battle will eventually be won or lost, but Domenech refuses to consider the worst-case scenario.

“Of course we would like to have 18 points out of 18 but it’s hard even though the players have not lost hope. For me qualification is obligatory, there is no other option.

“I cannot even imagine for one second there might be another option. All the work we’ve achieved so far was for the qualification.”

“We must be proud and look ahead,” added Domenech.

“There will be a few months between now and the mouth-watering final matches.”

Domenech said he understood Trezeguet’s frustration.

“I understand his reaction because the Israeli player almost broke his leg in the previous tackle,” said Domenech.