Olivier Giroud
Reuters

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud believes that France still have a viable chance to make it to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the players will do everything in their power to make the dream a reality.

Les Bleus qualification hopes are in shambles following their 2-0 loss to Ukraine in the first leg of the World Cup playoffs and need a victory with a margin of more than 2 goals to make their way to Brazil. Compatriot and Arsenal team mate Laurent Koscielny was sent off in the last game where the Frenchman gave also gave away a penalty, capping off a forgettable night for the 28-year-old.

Their attacking play was also lacking, with Samir Nasri missing a brilliant opportunity to put the Blues level after being fed sumptuously by Giroud in the first half. Loic Remy was preferred to Karim Benzema who was on the bench but the Newcastle man failed to live up to expectations, though he did put in a decent effort while tracking back and covering for Mathieu Debuchy who was preferred to Bacary Sagna. Giroud was not as his prolific best either, but the 27-year-old insists that he will put everything on the line to secure a World Cup berth come Tuesday.

"We are ready to die on the field to get there. We want to show the French people and to ourselves that we are proud to represent France. We want to make proud all the people who love us and support us," Giroud said.

"I am offended [with the first-leg display]. I want to redeem myself. Like all my team-mates, I guess.

"They will give us exactly the same treatment on Tuesday. We won't be surprised. They are going to hit us hard.

"We want to do better, to make history. It is a matter of pride. We'll do it, I firmly believe. Today, I still can't grasp the idea of France not going to Brazil. We must find the right balance, to continue to play our game. This is not easy because there will be a lot of tension, a lot of stress. This is the game of the year," he concluded.

Ukraine