Zidane makes World Cup vow

Zinedine Zidane insists France will be heading to the World Cup as potential winners.

Both France and Zidane have been accused of being fading forces on the world stage, with the Real Madrid playmaker having come out of international retirement to help his country qualify for Germany after a stuttering campaign.

Zidane has endured a mixed season in the Spanish capital but is nevertheless expected to be a major player in Germany alongside Patrick Vieira in France's engine room.

Pre-tournament favourites are likely to include the familiar name of Brazil and whilst acknowledging that it will be tough to repeat past glories, Zidane claims he would not interrupt his summer unless he had a chance of a medal.

''We will go to Germany to win the World Cup,'' he told L'Equipe. ''If I would tell you the contrary, I would just not go.

''We won't go to a World Cup for the fun to play in a World Cup, even if it is rewarding.

''I will be a 34-year-old in Germany. When you've won it once, lost it four years later, to play again in the World Cup is above all an opportunity to win it again.

''When you watch our team, you can see it is a beautiful selection, with good players.

''We just have to wish to be in perfect shape physically, at our best.

''I can't see any team able to make us worry, except Brazil, of course.

''They are the only formidable team, and they have always been. We can win the World Cup if we show solidarity in the group.

''If all the players are not on the same wavelengths, even if they are the best in the world, you can't win, it is impossible.

''All together means all together.''