Cisse on target for Zidane-inspired French

France forward Djibril Cisse runs during the 2006 World Cup qualifying football match at the Felix Bollaert stadium in Lens, northern France. France won 3-0.

Zinedine Zidane came out of international retirement to help inspire France to a convincing 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands and give Raymond Domenech renewed belief they will qualify for the World Cup finals in Germany.

Djibril Cisse grabbed the opener for the hosts, who had not won a qualifier since their 2-0 win over Cyprus almost a year ago, and added a second half goal to an unfortunate own goal for the visitors.

France now share the samme number of points as Switzerland and the Republic of Ireland but lie third on goal difference.

Cisse was on fire throughout the night and should have laid claim to at least a hat-trick - and that was just in the first half.

After a productive early period he finally got on the scoresheet after a great cross from Florent Malouda prompted the flamboyant Liverpool striker to rise above the Faroe's defence and send the ball past Jakup Mikkelsen at his far post.

France midfielder and captain Zinedine Zidane(R) is challenged by Faroe Islands midfielder Frodi Benjaminsen during the 2006 World Cup qualifying football match at the Felix Bollaert stadium in Lens, northern France. France won 3-0.

The visitors managed to give the former world and European champions an almost immediate fright but keeper Gregory Coupet dived quickly to keep out Claus Bech Jorgensen's header from a long-range midfield cross.

Barely five minutes later France were firmly back in control.

Cisse was on the right of the area and took possession. He had all the time in the world to unleash a shot which deflected off the knee of defender Suni Olsen who could only watch in agony as the ball sailed over the head of his keeper and into the goal.

With goals average a crucial issue in the tight-knit group four which has seen more than its fair share of draws, the hosts were on a mission - especially with Zidane on his official return following his decision to go back on his decision to retire from the squad.

Thierry Henry, who contrary to Cisse had a quiet early period, rose high to meet a cross from the left in the 25th minute but sent his header over Mikkelsen's crossbar.

France forward Florent Malouda(L) shoots a ball in front of Faroe Islands goalkeeper Jakup Mikkelsen during the 2006 World Cup qualifying football match at the Felix Bollaert stadium in Lens, northern France. France won 3-0.

The Arsenal forward then went on a solo run, beating several players deep on the left before sending a weak shot Mikkelsen's way.

With Zidane conjuring some of his usual midfield magic, France looked to be back to their former best.

But it was another France veteran, Willy Sagnol, who almost grabbed the limelight just after the half hour mark when he unleashed a furious drive from more than 30 yards.

With Mikkelsen beaten, the ball hit the keeper's left hand post and his defence had to battle to keep the rebound from reaching the awaiting Cisse.

Henry, who contrary to his club career has had trouble scoring goals for his country, was given a perfect opportunity to set the record straight when he found himself in on goal with only the keeper to beat.

However Mikkelsen managed to get a hand to the striker's chipped angled shot and sent it out for a corner.

France defender Lilian Thuram (C) jumps over Faroe Islands forward Andrew Av Flotum during the 2006 World Cup qualifying football match at the Felix Bollaert stadium in Lens, northern France. France won 3-0.

The Faroes' keeper was kept on his toes moments later. An unmarked Cisse bore down on the right of goal and collected the ball. He blasted it towards Mikkelsen who did superbly to parry the shot one-handed.

The visitors would have been happy of the half-time interval but France were not about to let up in their pursuit of goals.

Their first chance after the break fell to Patrick Vieira after he ran through midfield to meet a threaded through ball by former Gunners team-mate Henry, however Vieira's angled shot went wide.

Zidane was soon replaced just before the hour mark, the midfielder retiring to the bench with some ice to calm a calf injury.

Then it was Henry's turn to shoot wide, though this time it was from a free kick chance which he curled round the wall and into the side-netting.

Two minutes later Henry was again foiled by Mikkelsen, who came out well to block a shot by the Frenchman after he had been nicely set up on the edge of the area.

Henry was replaced, and it proved a logical decision as it appeared it was Cisse who was the most incisive stiker on the night.

Standing unmarked barely 15 yards out of goal, Cisse's second goal was a well-taken first timer which left Mikkelsen rooted to the spot before it hit the roof of the net.