France qualifying

Though France qualified for the World Cup without losing a game, the 1998 winners were far from impressive.

A string of sub-standard home displays blotted Les Bleus' programme as they went through from Group 4 as the section winners.

A home game with Israel appeared to provide France with the perfect opportunity to start the campaign on a winning note, but Raymond Domenech's side were frustrated in a 0-0 draw.

Ludovic Giuly put France ahead in the next game - away to Faroe Islands - before Patrick Vieira was sent off for a second yellow card on 65 minutes. Substitute Djibril Cisse sealed a 2-0 success.

Further disappointment was forthcoming at Stade de France as Les Bleus could find no way past Republic of Ireland in the capital.

Away from home, France were faring better as goals from Sylvain Wiltord and Thierry Henry claimed a 2-0 success over Cyprus.

But, for the third home game in a row, France failed to score as they drew 0-0 with Switzerland in their opening qualifier of 2005.

In the away clash with Israel, France shot themselves in the foot after David Trezeguet had broken the deadlock on 50 minutes. Just five minutes later, the Juventus striker was sent off and Israel grabbed an 83rd minute equaliser through Walid Badir.

France finally ended their home hoodoo by beating Faroe Islands 3-0 in early September. Cisse scored in each half, while a Suni Olsen own goal gave the hosts a helping hand.

The key result proved to be France's win away to Ireland as Henry's stunning goal on 68 minutes settled the issue at Lansdowne Road.

Cisse put France ahead in the penultimate game in Switzerland, although the hosts salvaged a 1-1 draw through Ludovic Magnin 10 minutes from time.

Qualification was still in the melting pot ahead of the final game at home to Cyprus, which France won 4-0 through goals from Zinedine Zidane, Wiltord, Vikash Dhorasoo and Giuly.

With Switzerland drawing 0-0 away to Ireland, France stole top spot by two points as the Swiss edged out Israel for the runners-up berth.