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Didier Deschamps fears Zlatan Ibrahimovic clash

Didier Deschamps says that he would rather France did not draw Sweden or Portugal in the World Cup playoffs.

France manager Didier Deschamps has admitted that he is scared of facing Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a playoff meeting for a spot at the 2014 World Cup.

Les Bleus look highly likely to finish as runners-up, while Sweden have already secured second place in their group which will result in the possibility of the two battling it out over two legs for a place in Brazil.

Due to their FIFA ranking, France are unlikely to be seeded for Monday's playoff draw in Zurich, which means they could meet Sweden or Portugal.

"Portugal and Sweden both have players of world renown - Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic," Deschamps said in his press conference.

"They make you afraid, but the two other teams also have qualities. You could say that it would be better to avoid this team or that team, but if we're not seeds it's because those teams have a better FIFA ranking than us and have obtained better results."

France could also meet Croatia or Greece.

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Matt Cotton
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