Switzerland drew 1-1 against France in their World Cup qualifying Europe Zone Group 4 match in Bern today. It was a hard-fought draw that kept alive both team's chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup. Goals from Liverpool FC striker Djibril Cisse, and Arsenal's Phillipe Senderos saw the game finish 1-1.

The home side started off with huge intent. In the first ten minutes alone, the Swiss had three attempts on goaland most of the first-half action took place in front of the French goal, rendering Real Madrid 'Galactico' Zinedine Zidane useless for the majority of the game.

French striker Djibril Cisse came on as a halftime substitute and, seven minutes later, and in a defensive error from the Swiss, nipped past two defenders and the goalkeeper to put 'Les Bleus' in the lead.

But the Swiss, who had spent most of the game encamped in the French half, came back in the 80th minute after a free kick from Swiss midfielder Ludovic Magnin. Arsenal defender Phillipe Senderos was there, diving to head the ball past the French keeper.

Both teams can still qualify for next year's World Cup. On Wednesday Ireland will be hosting Switzerland, and France host minnows Cyprus in the final, and decisive matches in group 4.

Israel currently lead the group with 18 points, but have played all its qualifying matches. Switzerland and France are tied on 17 points, while Ireland has 16 points.

Team lineups:

Switzerland's Squad:
Pascal Zuberbuehler, Philipp Degen, Patrick Mueller, Philippe Senderos, Ludovic Magnin, Tranquillo Barnetta (Valon Behrami, 90), Ricardo Cabanas, Johann Vogel, Raphael Wicky (Mauro Lustrinelli, 82), Johan Vonlanthen (Daniel Gygax, 59), Alexander Frei.

France's Squad:
Gregory Coupet, Anthony Reveillere, Lilian Thuram, Jean-Alain Boumsong, William Gallas, Claude Makelele, Patrick Vieira, Vikash Dhorasoo (Djibril Cisse, 45), Florent Malouda, Zinedine Zidane, Sylvain Wiltord.

Referee: Terje Hauge, Norway

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