Karim Benzema: 'France can still qualify for World Cup'

France striker Karim Benzema has refused to rule out the possibility of France qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Les Bleus succumbed to a 2-0 loss to Ukraine in the first leg of the playoff in Kiev last night, but Benzema has said that he believes his side can overturn the deficit in the second leg on Tuesday.

"There is still a second leg at the Stade de France. We know that it will not be easy, but we are not giving up," Benzema told a press conference after the game.

"We were ready for them and knew we were in for a tough task. It's not as if they were more determined than we were. They outmuscled us with their physical approach.

"Theoretically speaking, we are the better team. It's not just about talent, though. The physical aspect is important, too."

Laurent Koscielny and Olexandr Kucher will both miss the match after the pair were sent off in stoppage time last night.