Sidney Govou admits it took him some time to get used to being part of France's World Cup squad - but he is now hoping for a role in Sunday's final with Italy.

Govou was called up by coach Raymond Domenech as a late replacement for Djibril Cisse, who broke his leg in a warm-up friendly with China.

The Lyon striker jumped ahead of Nicolas Anelka in the pecking order following the Fenerbahce forward's petulant reaction to being left out of the original 23-man squad.

Govou, used several times as a substitute by Raymond Domenech during the tournament, is now fully acclimatised to the World Cup atmosphere.

"When I came here as the 23rd man it annoyed me that people were thinking 'he's not going to play'," said Govou, who came off the bench to help full-back Willy Sagnol police the dangerous Cristiano Ronaldo in the 1-0 semi-final win over Portugal.

"It was strange when I first arrived but when I started kicking a ball I felt immediately part of it and then I really got involved as a player."

Govou insisted the team was still trying to shake off the tiredness that followed the Portugal match and had not yet fully focused on the final in Berlin.

"We are in relaxation mode, we are recuperating," added Govou. "We are taking things quietly, quietly.

"We are doing as we have after previous matches, recovering, letting out the emotions so we don't put pressure on ourselves earlier than we need to."

Govou was originally a striker but says he is prepared to shoulder the defensive burden as he did against Ronaldo in Munich.

"I like to defend," said Govou. "I prefer to attack but I like to defend as well."

Govou does not know yet if he will be involved in Sunday's final with the Azzurri.

"Everything is possible," said Govou. "The coach will decide and do what he wants to do. I will do what is asked of me.

"I am ready and, if I am to be used as a midfielder, I will do what I am asked to do."

Asked if he would be prepared to take a penalty if necessary in a shootout, Govou said: "It's possible. It depends on what happens at the time and we must wait and see what will happen."