France needs convincing win against China

France needs convincing win against China

Published Jun. 3, 2010 1:39 p.m. ET

France needs a convincing performance in its final World Cup warmup match against China on Friday to boost the team's fragile confidence after the disappointing 1-1 draw with Tunisia.

France looked out of sorts, struggling both in defense and attack, in last Sunday's match against Tunisia, and France striker Djibril Cisse says beating China in style will "allow us to feel more confident" and "shut the critics up".

France opens its World Cup campaign against Uruguay in a little more than a week's time, and also faces Mexico and host South Africa in Group A.

Cisse says France must forget any idea that it is favorite to win the group, because "if we think we're above those teams, we'll soon be on our way home."

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