Friday, 15th November, 2013
France winger Franck Ribery has insisted that it would be a “catastrophe” for the whole nation if they fail to qualify for the 2014 World Cup ahead of their playoff double-header against Ukraine.
Les Bleus went into the World Cup playoffs after finishing second in Group I with 17 points from eight matches, just three points behind winners Spain and will now lock horns with Ukraine in away and home fixtures on 15th and 19th November respectively, in view of booking a spot at next year’s football carnival in Brazil.
And Ribery wants France to not put too much pressure on themselves and called on his side to play a fearless brand of football in the playoffs.
“That would be a catastrophe for the whole country”, he explained to FIFA’s official site.
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“It's hard to think about that, we can't put ourselves under too much pressure. We need to play without fear.”
The Bayern Munich star also admitted that Ukraine are a good side but believes France have the quality to come out victorious from the fixtures.
“For me it's very important that we qualify. Ukraine are a good team but France have to be in Brazil”, he added.
“We're also a good side and need to play well over the two games. It won't be easy but we can win.”
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