Switzerland shrug off return of Zidane

SWITZERLAND, who face France in a potentially decisive 2006 World Cup qualifier in October, have shrugged off the return of Zinedine Zidane to the French side.

“For Switzerland it changes little,” Swiss assistant coach Michel Pont said.

“Let’s take care of the matches against Israel and Cyprus, that’s where we have to do something. Zizou playing for France won’t be of much importance,” Pont told Swiss daily 24 Heures.

But he thought Zidane’s return would add to the spectacle. “It’s wonderful! I’m a fan of Zizou,” he said. “I think he’ll bring France a touch of serenity and recreate something a bit magical.”

The 33-year-old Real Madrid midfielder is returning to the national side a year after he quit in the wake of France’s quarter-final defeat in Euro 2004.

Switzerland are second in Group 4, one point behind Ireland with a game in hand and the best goal difference in the group, while the fourth-placed 1998 World Cup winners have struggled so far.

The Swiss travel to Israel on September 3, followed by a home game against Cyprus, before facing France in Basel on October 8. Switzerland’s final qualifier in Dublin four days later is likely to prove an even sterner test. After a 1-1 draw in Basel last September, Ireland will be seeking to avenge their 2-1 home defeat by Switzerland in a Euro 2004 qualifier three years ago.

“It’s good news for the French team. Anyway France are favourites with or without Zidane. I’ve nothing to add, it really doesn’t interest me,” Switzerland’s top goalscorer Alexander Frei who plays for French side Rennes said.