The 1998 champions, responsible for one of the biggest dramas in World Cup history, need a win with plenty of goals against hosts South Africa in their final Group A match and must hope that Mexico and Uruguay do not draw at the same time.
However, after boycotting a training session in support of Nicolas Anelka, sent home in disgrace for insulting coach Raymond Domenech at half time of a 2-0 defeat by Mexico last week, it remains doubtful whether the France team can regroup.
"Words would not help now, we need action," Domenech said before the uncertain battle at the Free State stadium.
"The players must bring answers on the pitch. How they will be remembered depends on how they will fare against South Africa."
Domenech's own legacy was also at stake, the controversial coach knowing that Tuesday's game could be his last in charge as he will be replaced by Laurent Blanc after the World Cup.
"You have tarnished France's image, I told them (the players)" she said. "For your kids, our children, you may no longer be heroes.
"Give it all you have, fight for it, I told them, and I could see in their eyes that they wanted to do that."
