No, I think he has a point. How old was Zidane in '94? Only 22.
Besides, France barely lost out in the qualification to Sweden and Bulgaria, the teams that finished in 3rd and 4th place in the world cup!
There's no doubt Zidane was the backbone, heart and soul of the French team.
I am not disputing the fact of Zidane's importance for France. It was during Euro 96 that Zidane was unleashed to the rest of the world.
The France squad that was just seconds away from qualifying for USA'94 had players like Ginola, and my favourite of all time Eric Cantona who was actually the French captain. Bulgaria drew very very late in the game and qualified instead.
Cantona got banned for assaulting a racist Crystal Palace fan in 94-95 season for 9 months, so the new French side had to make a new team centred around Zidane instead. Cantona returned for United and inspired them to the League and FA Cup double in 1996 but was never called up for France again since his ban - something which still pisses King Eric off to this day and as a result does not support France any more.
Cantona retired in 1997 aged only 31 because of lack of passion for the game - still probably hurt for not getting another chance for France, and France ended up winning the World Cup 1998.
I feel for him.