Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr was in Geneva tonight to see European champions France stroll to a comfortable 2-0 victory over a plucky, but outclassed, Switzerland at the Stade de Geneve.
Goals in each half from Sylvain Wiltord, in the 13th minute, and substitute Steve Marlet, in the 55th, gave only a superficial idea of their supremacy as they reeled off their ninth successive victory in confident fashion.
Inspired by the skill, movement and distribution of Zinedine Zidane, who was given a standing ovation when he was withdrawn after 69 minutes, France had Switzerland at full stretch for most of the game and could easily have doubled their score.
Even with Claude Makelele, the Real Madrid midfielder who is involved in a pay dispute, left out of the squad, France had both bite and creativity to spare in all areas as Switzerland struggled to match them.
After 13 minutes, a raking pass from Zidane sent Wiltord clear on the right and when goalkeeper Jorg Stiel advanced and parried the ball, it fell invitingly for the Arsenal striker to guide a low shot in from 20 metres.
Marlet struck France's second with a low 20-metres half-volley from a Wiltord pass and the French also went close when Benoit Pedretti hit the bar and Djibril Cisse forced a fine sprawling save in the closing stages.
The Republic of Ireland play Switzerland in their final European Championship qualifer in October.