Zidane (right) - likely to miss out. (Allsport)

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Injured French star Zinedine Zidane is wary of the threat that Uruguay will pose when the teams meet on Thursday.

France are desperately in need of a win after their shock opening day defeat at the hands of Senegal.

But Zidane, who is likely to miss out again due to a thigh problem, knows that Uruguay, who lost to Denmark in their first game, will be far from easy opponents.

"Uruguay have a very experienced team and are strong, it is not going to be easy," the Real Madrid midfielder told Marca.

"We respect them especially as this game is the crucial match in the group.

"We cannot afford any mistakes."

Zidane, the scorer of two goals in France's 3-0 demolition of Brazil in the 1998 final, doesn't believe his absence contributed to Les Bleus defeat on Friday.

"France have won many matches without me or any other player.

"When a team gives its all, like France did, they can leave the pitch congratulating their opponents and with their heads held high.

"The opposition also plays and Senegal planned a serious match with a well-organised defence."

He remains confident, though, that Roger Lemerre's men can still defend their title.

"I think France will win the World Cup but there are good teams here like Spain, Germany, Portugal and Brazil.

"Football is balanced in many aspects, the African teams have shown that they can run but moreover, they can play quality football."