Youri Djorkaeff is confident that France will advance to the 2014 World Cup but only if they harbour more self-belief.
Les Bleus, having finished runners-up to Spain in Group I, will clash with Ukraine in a two-legged tie with the winner advancing to next summer's finals in Brazil.
"France can beat the Ukraine," Djorkaeff told the press. "It will be tough but this match comes at just the right time, because I get the feeling that Les Bleus are playing well together and have more confidence in themselves.
"That's what you need ahead of this double-header which should, I hope, take France to Brazil. It's never easy to be the favourite but they're certainly no underdogs.
"The France team doesn't only have their status going for them; they have a history as well. France have experience in perilous matches like these."
The two meet in Kiev for the first leg on Friday, before the return match in Paris on Tuesday.
Matt Cotton
