Zidane pins France hopes on Ribery and Benzema: 'They can make sparks fly'

Jun 6, 2012 9:25:00 PM

The Bleus legend is confident the pair of attackers can deliver on their pre-tournament promise in Poland and Ukraine, while calling for focus against England on Monday

Zinedine Zidane believes Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery are crucial to France's hopes of winning Euro 2012, claiming the duo can "make sparks fly" during their conquest for glory.

The Bayern Munich winger has netted in each of Les Bleus' three pre-tournament friendlies and combined beautifully with the Real Madrid striker to notch the first goal in a 4-0 hammering of Estonia.

Zidane, who was a member of the France side that became champions of Europe in 2000, has now weighed in with his opinion that Ribery and Benzema can fire the nation to continental glory.

He told RTL: "The France team have the means to do something good, and with Ribery and Benzema both in form, they can make sparks fly."

France's opening game of the competition takes place in Donetsk, where they will face England, and although Zidane believes that les Bleus have a squad capable of going far in the tournament, he is well aware of the threat that Roy Hodgson's men will pose.

"I hope the competition will start well, but it will not be easy against England," he added.

Kick-off between the two European heavyweights on Monday is scheduled for 18:00CET.

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