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The group which also contains England and Croatia kicked off on Sunday as Switzerland, who were the better team throughout the game, managed a 0-0 draw with the Croatians, who finished 3rd in the 1998 World Cup.
France went one step further though as an injury time brace from Zinedine Zidane smashed England's hopes of a famous victory to pieces. The French, who were trouble in large periods by lively performances by the likes of Lampard and Rooney. It was Lampard who put England infront 7 minutes before halftime and it looked like staying that way before Zidane struck in the 91st with a beautifally struck free kick and then a penalty in the 93rd. England defended stoutly in the game and no doubt Brian Kerr will have been taking notes.
That win leaves France top of the group with 3 points and they are followed by Switzerland with 1 point.
Ireland play Switzerland away on the 8th of September and play France at Lansdowne Road on the 9th of October.