Considering that the French have only scored one goal in their last five World Cup matches, that might not be such an easy task for the 1998 champions who failed to make it out of the first round four years ago.

"It would be a huge, huge deception if we went out again," midfielder Patrick Vieira said Wednesday. "Worse than in 2002. Because we are a stronger team now, stronger physically and better prepared."

At the last World Cup in South Korea and Japan, France was eliminated without scoring a goal. This year, France has drawn 0-0 against Switzerland and 1-1 against South Korea so far in Group G.

France needs to win Friday night to have any chance to advance. If Switzerland and South Korea play to a draw, the French must win by at least two goals to avoid another World Cup embarrassment.

Vieira blames France's struggles on its approach, saying the team was too defensive in trying to protect a 1-0 lead against South Korea on Sunday and that led to the tying goal being scored in the 81st minute.

"It was not just in the last few minutes ... we started to retreat at the end of the first half," Vieira said. "Maybe it's a mental thing. We just don't take enough chances. We keep playing with the brakes on."

Vieira also said the team has failed to give striker Thierry Henry the right service, and he urged coach Raymond Domenech to rethink his tactics before it's too late.

"We're too defensive when we step onto the field," Vieira said. "We don't use Thierry Henry properly. We are relying on a solid defense too much.

Henry has scored France's lone goal -- a ninth-minute strike in the 1-1 draw -- but has missed several other chances. With Zinedine Zidane suspended against Togo after getting his second yellow card of the tournament, France's hopes rest largely on Henry, who scored his 34th international goal against South Korea.

"We need to give him the ball more, we need to get him participating in the game," Vieira said. "He has to get on the ball. He is a player who can win matches."

Qualification for the second round would set up a possible encounter with Spain, when France could show its "true potential," Vieira said.

"Once we get the win, we will be liberated," Vieira said. "And I think a lot of people will be surprised by us. But first we have to beat Togo. We have no choice but to score goals."

France's most senior player with 89 international appearances, Vieira will take the captain's armband in Zidane's absence. He said he is one of several players, including Zidane, Henry and Lilian Thuram, who discuss tactics with Domenech.

Vieira urged Domenech to use striker David Trezeguet, France's third all-time scorer with 32 goals, who has played only three minutes at the World Cup so far.

"David has scored goal after goal wherever he has been over the years," Vieira said. "And he can do it again. He can help us."