Abidal admits France must beat Mexico

France also had a poor start to the World Cup 2006 in Germany, but managed to reach the final.

“Against Mexico we have to play for a win and nothing less,” he explained to the media.

“In 2006 it was the same, we began with a 0-0 draw with Switzerland, but slowly but surely victories followed victories. We have to be able to step up a gear and make it out of the first round.”