Ribery injury is unfortunate, for him and the team: Karim Benzema

With Franck Ribery ruled out, there's tremendous pressure on Karim Benzema as he spearheads France's campaign in Brazil.

The 26-year-old Real Madrid man, who doesn't enjoy the same reputation he carries at the club level on the international stage, is playing in his first World Cup and this could be his chance to correct that anomaly.

Excerpts from an interview:

After the disappointment of not being picked for the 2010 World Cup, it must be pleasing for you to be in Brazil four years later?

Definitely! It's a dream come true situation for me to be in a World Cup with the France national team. You start playing football with the sole intention of playing for your country and representing the nation in a World Cup. I am fulfilling the dream now. France had a problem in qualifying and you had to play really well to beat Ukraine to win the playoff to be here in Brazil. Yes, we knew it will be tough when we were placed in the same group with the world champions Spain. We came second and had to win the playoff against Ukraine. They won the first leg 2-0 and we had to win it at least 30 to qualify.

It was very satisfying to do exactly that and ensure our participation in the World Cup. But losing Franck Ribery due to injury is clearly a big blow?

Well, it's un fortunate for both Franck and us. He was so keen to play the World Cup, but he picked up this injury at a horrible time. When a player of his calibre is not available, you are bound to feel it. But we are preparing ourselves in the best possible manner and we all know Franck will be with us, supporting all of us, during the tournament. Injuries are part and parcel of a professional footballer's life. It was most unfortunate, especially since it involved one of our best players.

That said, France are in a relatively easier group...

Well, I am aware of the surprises involved in a World Cup. Our coach, the former captain of the World Cup winning 1998 team, Didier Deschamps, had clearly defined what should be our roles during the World Cup. We need to qualify from the group first and for that we need to play three very very good games. Yes, there are no easy games in a World Cup.

You had a fantastic season with your club Real Madrid winning the UEFA Champions League.

That was a great night for all the Madridistas. Two of the teams from Madrid had made all the Madridistas. Two of the teams from Madrid had made it to the finals and we were so close to losing it too! Sergio Ramos kept us in the tie and we played really well to win it in extra time.

That must have boosted your confidence?

Definitely! When you come to the biggest possible tournament with such a success behind you, you feel confident of crossing all the barriers.