France have a mountain to climb if they are to make it to the final tournament Brazil after losing 2-0 in Kiev on Friday. Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane will be available to play now, which can give the French a glimmer of hope. France have been present at each of the last four World Cups since their dramatic failure to reach the 1994 tournament in the United States, and managed to win the 1998 tournament on home soil.
This time they find themselves on the brink of elimination as they need a 3-0 win at Stade de France on Tuesday to reach the World Cup. They will have to attempt that comeback without defender Laurent Koscielny, who was sent off in the first-leg. Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane could take Koscielny's place at the back after making a quick recovery from a knee injury. Ukraine are very confident after eight consecutive matches without conceding, but French coach Didier Deschamps is hopeful his side can break down the visitors' barricades. "What awaits us on Tuesday is the possibility to turn the tide," he said. "We must apply pressure, but also be aware that they will not keep 10 players behind the ball. They will not come to defend. It will require total football and that we maintain a high tempo from beginning to end."
Ukraine have made just one appearance at the World Cup finals, in 2006 when they reached the quarter-finals. They will be without defender Oleksandr Kucher on Tuesday and forward Andriy Yarmolenko urges caution ahead of their trip to Paris. "This result should be treated calmly," he said. "We have only played the first match - there is still a game to be played in France. That will be tougher. We must play with confidence."
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
France win - 4/9
Draw - 7/2
Ukraine win - 8/1
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