Makalele: We will miss Zidane

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.

On Wednesday his fellow midfielder Patrick Vieira had suggested Zidane’s suspension, who turns 34 on the day of the match, might present an opportunity for other players to take a more dominant role in the team.