France
vs
Austria
Match Schedule:
Date: October 14th
Time: 19:00 (GMT)
France are assured of a play-off place after their 5-0 demolition of the Faroe Islands on Saturday lifted them four points clear of third-placed Austria with just one qualification game to play.
Les Bleus host Austria tomorrow night when they will be hoping to continue the improvement in their form in Group Seven as they wait for next month's draw for the two-legged play-offs.
France have not been at all convincing during the qualifying campaign with reports of a bust-up between coach Raymond Domenech and his players during the double header against Romania and Serbia.
Domenech also met up with Karim Benzema to demand an explanation for the Real Madrid striker's comments he had not really felt like playing against Serbia and had struggled to give his all.
The draws against Romania and Serbia ultimately scuppered France's hopes of automatic qualification and Thierry Henry was forced to try to get the team's fans back onside before the weekend's game.
The subsequent rout will have both eased the pressure on Domenech and also given some much-needed confidence to the team ahead of the play-offs although they must rue failing to convert their three draws into victory.
However, Jacquet - who led the team to the World Cup in 1998 - has no hesitation in predicting France will compete in South Africa next year.
He told Nice Matin: "The play-offs offer us a second chance.
"We are not complaining - it is important not to miss the World Cup.
"I am confident of qualifying. We will go to South Africa."
Domenech has never been the most popular of managers with the French public and seemingly the players.
However, Jacquet added: "Everyone chooses his communication.
"What is interesting about football is that everyone has his own way of doing things.
"That is better - it is not in a mould.
"The thing is not to be destabilised.
"If your players follow you it does not matter what else happens."
Before the game against the Faroes, France had scored only 10 goals in eight games, inexplicable given Les Bleus boast the likes of Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Benzema.
Now David Trezeguet, who scored 34 goals in 71 games for France, has revealed his desire to return to the national team after being out in the cold for 18 months.
The 31-year-old told L'Equipe: "I will always be available in this difficult period.
"To qualify the coach should put all the weapons in his side.
"If Domenech thinks I can be useful, I am ready to play in the play-offs.
"I feel I can make a difference."
Domenech has again laid down the law by refusing to allow Lassana Diarra to return to Real Madrid despite the player being suspended for tomorrow's game in Paris.
Austria are the only team to have beaten France when they triumphed 3-1 in Vienna in September last year and they will also be looking to end on a high after Saturday's 2-1 win over Lithuania saw them extend their unbeaten run to three games.
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