Zinedine Zidane: "France should do well"

Former France international Zinedine Zidane has backed his nation to impress at the World Cup this summer.

Les Bleus came close to missing out on the tournament, but did manage to negotiate a difficult playoff against Ukraine in order to book their spot in Brazil.

However, Real Madrid assistant manager Zidane believes that Los Blancos forward Karim Benzema and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery will both impress this summer.

"France should do well," he told The Times of India.

"Last time in South Africa they disappointed everyone but this time under Didier Deschamps they are playing well. In the qualifiers they were second to Spain and did well in the play-off. Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery are in great form.

"I know Ribery's Bayern were ousted by Benzema's Real Madrid in the Champions League, but I am eager to see their combination play at the World Cup. It should be a great sight."

Zidane scored 31 times in 108 games for France between 1994 and 2006.