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.

Makelele, aged 33, is adamant that only Togo will benefit from Zidane being in the stands in Cologne.

Asked if the absence of Zidane – full-back Eric Abidal is also suspended - would have a physical or psychological effect on the team, Makelele said: “Both. We all know what he (Zidane) can bring to a match.

“Whether it’s a technical piece of skill he produces or an assist for a goal - he always has something he can create.

“It’s evident that it’s a blow to us but we will have to do without him and now it’s down to the other players to take responsibility and deliver the result we need.”

Makelele expressed his confidence that their team could win without their talisman, saying: “The mood in the squad is a positive one.”

Any win will do for France if there is an outright winner of the other Group G match between Switzerland and South Korea but, in the event of a draw in that game, France need a two-goal margin of victory to be certain of progressing - otherwise Korea could pip them or lots might even have to be drawn depending on the scorelines.

“We are well aware that we are playing for qualification tomorrow. Whether it’s 1-0, or even better 2-0 or 3-0 we must win the match and then we will worry what is happening in the other match,” said the Chelsea midfielder.