Switzerland striker Alexander Frei has tried to heap the pressure on France ahead of tomorrow's game by describing them as "big favourites" and claiming "it would be a disgrace if they failed to qualify with players like Zidane, Vieira and Makelele".

Frei, who plays in France for Rennes, is likely to provide the principal threat to Raymond Domenech's team. He was the top scorer in Ligue 1 last season and has an impressive international strike rate of 22 goals in 38 games. But the 26-year-old has scored just once in the league this season, and he insists France have nothing to worry about.

"I've hit rock bottom," Frei said. "If I continue playing as I have been recently, it was be like 10 against 11. I'm in a dreadful rut and my confidence is zero. It makes me angry and sad to say it, but Alexander Frei is no threat to France on this form."

The French players have laughed off Frei's remarks. "I don't believe him for a second," goalkeeper Gregory Coupet said. "He's a talented goalscorer and his form could return at any time. Like on Saturday, for example."

Defender Anthony Reveillere, who played with Frei at Rennes, said: "He scores in virtually every game for Switzerland. He can say what he wants, we'll be ready for him."

Obviously nobody told Swiss coach Koebi Kuhn about Frei's comments as he expects his players to turn on the style.

"I don't think my players will have any inferiority complex to deal with when they step out on the pitch on Saturday," Kuhn said. "Particularly when you consider that we held France to a draw in the away match.

"We know not to overestimate the importance of that 0-0, because France certainly had more of the match in Paris -- and more of the goal chances. But I think we also sold ourselves pretty well that night."