The 1998 world champions host the Cypriots at the Stade de France knowing that a win will at the very least guarantee them a place in the play-offs. If Switzerland fail to beat the Republic of Ireland in Dublin the same night then Raymond Domenech's side will gain automatic entry as Group 4 leaders.

Domenech will have to do without Claude Makelele as the Chelsea midfielder is suspended after picking up a second yellow card in the 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Saturday for a tackle on Johan Volanthen.

Given the prize at stake Vieira believes the support of the demanding home fans will be vital to ensuring a positive outcome.

"If we don't play especially well there's a chance the crowd could start turning on us," said the Juventus man.

"If we carve out chances but don't capitalise on them then we run the risk of becoming tense, then the fans may start whistling.

"But the public and the supporters appreciate the importance of this game. We'll need them because there are going to be some tough moments."

The midfielder added: "There's a danger it could be a hard match to cope with.

"The important thing is to get the first goal."

Makelele said he couldn't envisage anything other than victory.

"We have to really, really, really win this match.

"I can't even imagine not being in Germany."

Vieira admitted to not putting up one of his better performances against Switzerland.

"I was no good in the first half, and only average in the second," was the former Arsenal skipper's frank assessment of his contribution, adding that the squad would not dwell on events in Berne.

"The team's disapppointed. We did the hard thing by taking the lead, then conceded a goal in the last ten minutes.

"Big teams, when they don't play well, still manage to get a result. Unfortunately we weren't able to do that this time.

"But now that's forgotten, forgotten as quickly as possible, because there's no time to waste.

"Against Cyprus the main thing is to win, then after that the number of goals we score.

"Tactically they're a team that's progressing, they've got two or three players who are capable of making a difference."

He rated France's chances of finishing top of the group as 50-50.

"There's a real chance we can achieve that. It won't be easy for Switzerland to go over there (to Dublin) and get a result. We have to exploit that."

One grating statistic however is that France have yet to win at the Stade de France since Domenech took over as manager from Jacques Santini after Euro 2004.