Preview: France coach Raymond Domenech and captain Zinedine Zidane were sending out mixed messages as they prepared for tonight's World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands in Lens.
While Domenech made it clear he is interested only in the result and not the quality of the performance, Zidane said he was looking for a big win against the group's bottom team to boost confidence ahead of Wednesday's match at Lansdowne Road.
"If we're being honest with ourselves, we know we need to win this game and win it well," said the Real Madrid playmaker. "Once we have done that we can think about Wednesday with a clear head.
"By winning well I mean playing well, scoring goals and having the victory at the end of it. Even if the result is the most important thing, it would be an important boost to morale if we played well."
The Faroe Islands are ranked 126 in the world and have registered just one point from their six group games, but Domenech is taking nothing for granted.
"Our opponent will do everything possible to avoid conceding," he warned.
"If we don't force them onto the back foot, they are capable of breaking and scoring a goal themselves. As far as I'm aware, a one-nil win gives us three points and that will suit me fine."
France are without suspended striker David Trezeguet for the next two games, while Jerome Rothen and Jonathan Zebina are injured.
Domenech is set to make one change from the team that beat the Ivory Coast 3-0 last month, with Patrick Vieira fit again to take his place alongside Claude Makelele in midfield.
Sylvain Wiltord will continue on the right, while his Lyon team-mate Florent Malouda could be picked ahead of Vikash Dhorasoo to give France natural width on the left.
"We will need to spread the play and make use of the flanks," Zidane said. "They will have everyone behind the ball so we must be intelligent and try to stretch them."
Zidane, meanwhile, is looking forward to continuing in the central role he filled to such good effect in the last game behind Thierry Henry.
"I'm more efficient in that advanced position," he said. "It's where I'm used to playing for Real Madrid and it's where I feel most comfortable."
The 33-year-old added: "It has been useful to have the whole week to prepare for these two games. We know what we have to do and we are ready."
FRANCE (probable): Coupet; Sagnol, Gallas, Thuram, Boumsong; Vieira, Makelele, Malouda, Wiltord, Zidane; Henry
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