France seeking to make up ground

France enters yet another must-win match against Lithuania on Wednesday, seeking to make up more ground in its World Cup qualifying group.

"We know that match is crucial because we're behind in the qualifying race and Lithuania is ahead," France midfielder Samir Nasri said. "We have to win to get back in the race for a World Cup berth."

Serbia leads Group 7 with 12 points, followed by Lithuania with nine points and France with seven.

France does not have much maneuvering room after having dropped points in Austria and Romania. A victory would help France move ahead of Lithuania and close the gap with Serbia.

Although France beat Lithuania 1-0 last Saturday in Kaunas, it does not take the return match for granted.

"We could face a huge disappointment if we make fewer efforts and if we think that the match is already won," France fullback Bacary Sagna said.

Lithuania has never qualified for the World Cup and as the obvious underdog it will have nothing to lose on Wednesday.

"It is going to be even tougher for us as the France team has been boosted by this victory (in Kaunas) and will seek another one," Lithuania forward Tomas Danilevicius said. "But we are not going to give away three points easily."

PARIS, AP