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Vieira to miss crunch clash

17 Jun 2008 - 08:31:52

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Influential captain Patrick Vieira has been ruled out of France's must-win final Group C showdown with Italy on Tuesday.

The veteran midfielder, who has missed the two opening group games of the tournament with a thigh injury, had hoped to be fit in time to face the world champions in Zurich.

However, Vieira will again be absent and the skipper doesn't know when he will be available to coach Raymond Domenech.

France must take three points against the Azzurri and hope group winners Netherlands defeat current second-placed side Romania in Berne if they are to reach the knockout stages.

"I was hoping to play that last group match but, unfortunately, the pain is still there and I don't know when I will be able to resume playing," revealed Vieira.

"I manage to train but I still have this pain which stops me from accelerating or to kick the ball.

"I don't know where I am, I really don't know when I will be ready to play again."