Kapo could be key for France

AJ Auxerre midfield player Olivier Kapo is the surprise face in the France squad for their EURO 2004™ qualifying match against Cyprus.

Santini keen
The Ivory Coast-born midfield player was not in the squad for last week's friendly draw with Tunisia because he was recovering from injury. However, coach Jacques Santini was keen to call on his services as he has a good relationship with club-mate Djibril Cissé, which Santini hopes will transfer to the national side.

Good friends
For Auxerre, Kapo is a regular provider of goalscoring opportunities for Cissé and the 21-year-old pair have played together since childhood. "We know ourselves on the the field and outside as well", said Kapo.

Failed to score
France travel to Nicosia to take on Cyprus on 7 September, and the defending champions will have much to prove after their disappointing showing at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals. They failed to score and were eliminated after their three group matches.

Three left out
Santini has left out three players who figured in the squad against Tunisia; Bruno Cheyrou of Liverpool FC, Stade Rennais FC's Anthony Réveillère and Auxerre's Philippe Mexès. Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is still out because of injury as is Bixente Lizarazu, despite his return to action for FC Bayern Munchen last night following a thigh problem.

Striking talent
David Trezeguet of Juventus FC is also still sidelined, indicating that Cissé may get the chance to lead the attack with Thierry Henry, the in-form Arsenal FC striker. Sylvain Wiltord is also included along with fellow forwards Steve Marlet and Sidney Govou. The other sides in Group 1 are Israel, Malta and Slovenia

France squad
Coupet, Landreau, Bréchet, Candela, Christanval, Desailly, Sagnol unich), Mikaël Silvestre, Thuram, Carrière, Kapo, Makelele, Petit, Vieira, Zidane, Cissé, Govou, Henry, Marlet, Wiltord