Brazil 0-1 France

Saturday 01 July 2006
World Cup, Quarter-Final
Commerzbank-Arena, Frankfurt

An outstanding performance from Zinedine Zidane inspired France to a 1-0 win over world champions Brazil.

In a marvellous match full of high quality football, the Real Madrid playmaker was the outstanding player on the pitch, clearly enjoying his swang-song as he dictated the pace and flow of the game.

The only goal came on 57 minutes when Zidane's floated free-kick from the left was met by Henry with a firm volley at the far post.

From the start France looked like the team most likely to win as they continued where they left off against Spain, playing their best football since the triumph at Euro 2000.

Raymond Domenech's side immediately signalled their intent to take the game to Brazil with Zidane putting in the best individual performance by anyone at this World Cup to date.

Though the first half was filled with football of the highest technical brilliance, few chances were carved out as both sides showed their defensive qualities.

A Zidane free-kick floated into the Brazilian penalty area gave Florent Malouda a glimpse of goal but having escaped the attentions of his marker, he headed over.

A wonderful flowing move, culminating in a mesmeric piece of skill and deft pass from Zidane, allowed Patrick Vieira to burst through the middle only for the Juventus midfielder to be brought down by Juan.

The defender was booked for his troubles, as was Ronaldo when he handled Henry's effort from the resulting free kick. Zidane took the next set piece but curled his shot just over the bar.

France continued to set the pace after the break and within a minute of the second half starting, Vieira went close with a glancing header from another Zidane free-kick which the Brazil defence failed to get to grips with.

Gradually the play became stretched and Zidane was able to use his skills and control of the ball to harness the pace of Henry and Ribery to run into the huge gaps on the flanks and get in behind the Brazilian full backs.

On 57 minutes the goal finally came and it was no more than France deserved. From a free-kick on the left, Zidane delivered another perfect cross that evaded all the players in the box and fell for the unmarked Henry at the back post, who guided the ball side-footed into the roof of Dida's net.

Ribery, who was enjoying a fantastic individual performance, came very close to putting his side two goals up when his low cross was defected across the face of goal and just past the far post by Juan.

A late burst saw Ronaldo finally come to life but Fabien Barthez dealt with everything the Real Madrid forward could throw at him and it is les blues who will face Portugal for a place in the World Cup Final.

Brazil: Dida, Cafu (Cicinho, 76), Lucio, Juan, Carlos, Juninho (Adriano, 63), Silva, Ze Roberto, Kaka (Robinho, 79), Ronaldinho, Ronaldo.
Subs not used: Cris, Emerson, Fred, Gilberto, Julio Cesar, Luisao, Mineiro, Ricardinho, Rogerio.

France: Barthez, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery (Govou, 76), Makelele, Vieira, Zidane, Malouda (Wiltord, 81), Henry (Saha, 85).
Subs not used: Boumsong, Chimbonda, Coupet, Dhorasoo, Diarra, Givet, Landreau, Silvestre, Trezeguet.

Goals: Henry 57

Referee: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).