COLONGE, June 24 (Xinhua) -- France shook off the 2002 jinx to survive a tricky last round of the World Cup group stage, booking a place in the last 16 as runners-up to Switzerland.

    Les Bleus overcame a sleepy start to beat World Cup debutants Togo 2-0 on Friday, accumulating five points from a win and two draws to edge South Korea by one point.

    South Korea, semifinalists in the 2002 tournament, had forced a1-1 draw with France and beat Togo 2-1, but then bowed to Switzerland 2-0 in Hanover, which left it on four points to sit third. Togo finished fourth.

    While Zinedine Zidane and several of his compeers have announced the plan to retire after the Germany tournament, it would be their last opportunity to restore the 1998 World Cup glory back to France.

    However, after two disappointing draws, Les Bleus knew clearly that they needed a victory against Togo to ensure it didn't go home in disgrace for a second straight time at the World Cup.

    France crashed out four years ago when, as defending champions, they failed to score a goal in three opening round games and were eliminated.

    Birthday boy Patrick Vieira nailed the opener for France, slamming the ball past goalkeeper Kossi Agassa after a flurry of dazzling foot steps in the 55th minute.

    Five minutes late, Arsenal striker Thierry Henry sealed the win for the former World Cup champions after receiving a deep Claude Makelele pass on the edge of the area.

    Togo, who were already eliminated ahead of their final Group G game, resisted bravely in the first half before a two-goal collapse in the second.

    Victory secured second spot in Group G for France and set up a second-round tie against Group H winners Spain in Hanover on June 27. Switzerland will next clash with Group H winner Spain.

    The victory also kept the career of Zidane alive for one more day. The French midfielder, considered one of the greatest players of his era, plans to retire at the end of the World Cup.

    South Korea were the sole Asian hope after Japan, Iran and Saudi Arabia were all ousted, but their World Cup campaign has been ended up after losing 2-0 to Switzerland in front of their merry band of noisy fans on Friday.

    It has been the 15th loss for South Korea out of their 18 encounters with European team at the World Cup. The only three wins of them came in 2002 on home soil. Enditem