France can’t afford any slip-ups against Swiss, says Dhorasoo

FRENCH international Vikash Dhorasoo believes a defeat for his country in either of their forthcoming games against Switzerland and Israel would seriously impair their chances of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.

Les Bleus are unbeaten after four games in Group Four but lie second behind the Republic of Ireland on goal difference.

They now face Switzerland at the Stade de France on Saturday and visit Israel four days later in a double-header which could go a long way to deciding their fate in the group.

Dhorasoo, who could start against the Swiss if he shrugs off a leg injury, believes France need to pick up a minimum of four points from the two games if their destiny is to remain in their own hands.

“Clinching less than four points from the two matches would be very worrying even if it would also depend on the other teams’ results,” said the AC Milan midfielder. “There will be a huge pressure at the Stade de France against Switzerland but the slightest mistake we make could cost us qualification.

“We must first concentrate on the Swiss game and then, we will see.”

Dhorasoo admits Saturday’s game will be no pushover but feels his side are good enough to claim a morale-boosting win ahead of the trip to Israel next Wednesday.

“Switzerland have been playing together for a long time and they are solid but they are not European champions either,” he added.

“I think we have what it takes to beat them even though it should be tough.”

Dhorasoo’s exceptional performance in a friendly against Sweden last month has put him in line for a start at the Stade de France on Saturday.

The 31-year-old, who has won four caps for his country, rarely gets a look-in at Milan and has often had to be satisfied with a place on the substitutes’ bench for the six-time European champions this season.

But he feels getting a regular run with France could reignite his career.

“The match against Sweden was only the second I have started for France so I can really say that this was my best ever performance with Les Bleus.

“I felt so at ease on the pitch and the communication with the other players was working well. I don’t know if my international status necessarily changed afterwards but the fact I played so well in that match was very important in my career.

"It showed that despite my age and the fact I am not playing well with my club, I could still play very well for France.”