Zidane’s return official as friendly squad named

ZINEDINE ZIDANE’S shock return to international football was made official yesterday when the Real Madrid star’s name appeared in the France squad for next week’s friendly against the Ivory Coast.

Last week Zidane thrilled his supporters by announcing his comeback months after categorically ruling out a return to the international fray.

The 33-year-old, who has 93 caps and 26 goals for Les Bleus, later disclosed that a visit by a mysterious apparition had helped him make up his mind.

Zidane inspired France to the 1998 World Cup win, scoring twice in the final against Brazil.

The veteran playmaker announced his initial retirement from the France team after their 1-0 quarter-final loss to Greece in last year’s European Championships in Portugal.

France, lying fourth in their World Cup qualifying group three points behind leaders the Republic of Ireland, warm up for their latest batch of qualifiers for Germany 2006 against the ivory Coast in Montpellier next Wednesday.

After three goalless draws from their first six qualifiers Domenech is counting on Zizou’s return to provide the necessary stimulus to secure their World Cup ticket.

The coach declared himself satisfied with his unusual summer job hunting drive.

“I’m happy at their return,” said the man who succeeded Jacques Santini.

But he was quick to dispense with the notion that the trio’s return effectively ensured France’s place at next year’s World Cup finals.

“Before it was a case of total pessimism, now, just because three players have returned, we’re already qualified! But we’ve still got one friendly and four qualifiers - or six (with the play-offs) which will be the moment of truth for the France team.”

There is a certain symmetry about next week’s fixture for it is 11 years to the day that Zidane and Thuram (103 caps, two goals) made their debuts for France in the 2-2 friendly against the Czech Republic on August 17, 1994.

Domenech has already stated that the captain’s armband, worn in his absence by Patrick Vieira, will be returning to Zidane.

The Ivory Coast game serves as a stepping stone to France’s September 3 qualifier against the Faroe Islands and the visit to Dublin to play the Group Four leaders Ireland four days’ later.

Meanwhile, the Cyprus FA has informed the FAI of the times and venues for the U21 and senior matches on October 7 and 8. The European U21 Championship game kicks-off at 4pm local time (2pm Irish time) at the GSC Stadium, Larnaca.

The following day, theWorld Cup qualifier will kick-off at 8pm local time (6pm Irish time) at the GSP Stadium, Nicosia.

The FAI has also said a team of Portuguese officials will take charge of Ireland’s friendly international against Italy at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday next, August 17. The referee will be Paulo Manuel Gomes Costa and his assistants will be Bertino Cunha Miranda and Serafim Baia Nogueira.