Portugal 0-1 France

Wednesday 05 July 2006
World Cup, Semi-Final
Allianz-Arena, Munich

France earned only their second World Cup final appearance after a first-half penalty from Zinedine Zidane's was enough to claim a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Munich.

Thierry Henry was fouled in the area by Ricardo Carvalho after the Arsenal striker cut inside the defender and from the resulting spot kick, Zidane confidently beat Ricardo in the Portuguese goal.

France, the champions on home soil eight years ago, now face Italy in a mouth-watering final, whilst Portugal take on the hosts Germany for third place.

It means that the great Zidane, scorer of two goals in the 1998 final, will play his last match in the biggest game there is, a fitting stage for arguably the greatest player of his generation.

Though Portugal began the match well, they never really created any chances to open the scoring as the somewhat ineffective Pauleta struggled to cope with the defensive strength of Raymond Domenech's side kept him at bay.

Portugal's best efforts tended to come from distance from their midfielders and early on Deco and Luis Figo both forced saves from Fabien Barthez, whilst a lively Cristiano Ronaldo was a constant threat.

The French looked far sharper in attack and it was they who took the lead after 33 minutes when Henry flicked the ball inside Carvalho only to to be brought down for a clear penalty.

Zidane, who will now play his last match in the World Cup final, took a short run-up to strike a low, firm shot past Ricardo's despairing dive.

France were always in control of the match but with the fear of a second booking hanging over many of their players, they were content to sit back, play passive football and let the Portuguese come at them.

The closest they came to getting back on level terms was when Barthez spilled a dipping Ronaldo free-kick. He somehow managed to throw the ball into the area but was doubtless relieved to see Figo head over.

France will now face Italy in a dream World Cup final in Berlin on Sunday 09 July.

Portugal 0-1 France, FIFA World Cup, Semi-Final

Portugal: Ricardo, Miguel (Paulo Ferreira, 63), Meira, Ricardo Carvalho, Nuno Valente, Costinha (Postiga, 74), Maniche, Deco, Ronaldo, Pauleta (Simao, 68), Figo.
Subs not used: Boa Morte, Caneira, Nuno Gomes, Paulo Santos, Quim, Ricardo Costa, Tiago, Viana.

France: Barthez, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery (Govou, 72), Vieira, Zidane, Makelele, Malouda (Wiltord, 69), Henry (Saha, 85).
Subs not used: Boumsong, Chimbonda, Coupet, Dhorasoo, Diarra, Givet, Landreau, Silvestre, Trezeguet.

Goals: Zidane 33 (pen)

Attendance: 66,000.

Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay).