France are relying on the Zidane factor to see them through the rest of their World Cup qualifiers with maximum points.
Coach Raymond Domenech said on Thursday that France, fourth in European Group Four, cannot afford to drop a point in their four remaining qualifiers starting with the Faroe Islands in Lens on Saturday.
"Things are simple," Domenech told a news conference at France's training camp outside Paris. "We can't afford another mishap. What we need is four wins to make it to the World Cup."
France are three points behind group leaders Ireland, who they meet in Dublin next Wednesday. They are away to second-placed Switzerland next month before hosting Cyprus in their last game.
Playmaker Zinedine Zidane's return to the squad has boosted confidence and the change of mood in the camp was evident in the smile on the face of the normally stern Domenech.
"Something has changed in the squad since he made his comeback," said striker Djibril Cisse. "It's not like before. It seems more calm, more relaxed."
Zidane showed touches of his unique style in his first match for France in more than a year, a 3-0 victory over Ivory Coast in a friendly in Montpellier last month.
"Zizou" did not look at his best but scored a goal and brought a measure of patience back to the team.
"I can't explain why but I'm certain we are going to do great for the next qualifying matches," Cisse added. "We are going out there to play and win."
Defender William Gallas agreed on the importance of Zidane's influence.
"Zidane is the team's maestro," he said. "With him, you can adapt your strategy during a match.
"Everybody needs a guy like him on his side. Now, when I get the ball what I do first is look for him to pass it.
"His performance in Montpellier confirmed that we were missing him. Many things are different now and we are looking forward to the qualifiers."
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