LiveBlog: Brazil vs. France

July 1st, 2006 | by: Chris Heidrich |

South America fails once again on European soil. Brazil were outplayed by France tonight in a very entertaining game and France progresses on Henry’s goal to face Portugal in the semi-finals.

Final: Brazil 0-1 France

Full-time: Brazil is out of the World Cup. France has produced a stellar display of rock-solid defense and sparkling Zidane to beat the World Champions. All of Germany is cheering as they’d much rather face France than Brazil. Based on their performance tonight, France can lay just as much a claim to tournament favourites as anyone. They allowed Brazil no shots on goal for 90 minutes, created chances and ran Brazil ragged chasing Ribery around the field. They will now take on Portugal in the semis.

90:45 – Cicinho drives a cross in from the right and Ze Bob skims it off the inside of his boot but it is not on goal. Good chance.

90:00 – Saha shoots after being released by Zidane. Great save by Dida. At the other end Ronaldo has a great shot saved by Barthez. It only took 90 minutes but Brazil finally have a shot on goal for the game.

88:46 – Ronaldinho’s free kick is well struck but just over the bar. Thuram was booked for Ronaldo’s dive. That’s too bad.

87:22 – Ronaldo with a massive DIVE over Thuram’s outstretched leg. Nowhere near being touched but the ref fell for it. Brazil free kick right on the edge of the French area in front. I hope they don’t score like this.

85:12 – Henry leaves the field and Louis Saha takes his place. Saha’s job will be to hold the ball up and get kicked in the corner. French fans singing loud now.

84:33 – Ronaldo pops up to shoot from 19 yards out. His shot is wide and he kicks the French defender’s foot on his follow through. Bit ginger afterwards.

83:10 – More pressure from Brazil now, laying seige to the French defensive third. France has been very quiet on the break since Ribery, Fraternitie, Equalitie left the game.

81:45 – Malouda comes out of the game and Sylvain Wiltord comes in. Not really a defensive move by France. They may not be settling for the one goal.

80:22 – As I bag the man, Ronaldinho plays a good header into the middle of the French box. Robinho controls with one touch and blasts his shot high over the bar. Needed a better finish and it was a good chance. Wake up call for France.

79:20 – Amazingly, Brazil still without a shot on target all game. Barthez is having a picnic in goal for France. Ronaldo has gone missing again and I can’t remember the last time Ronaldinho touched the ball.

78:04 – Robinho comes into the game, replacing Kaka. What a bench Brazil has at their disposal. Robinho will have to breathe some life into Brazil’s attack. It has stalled completely.

75:47 – Cafu comes off and Cicinho replaces him. Is this the last we’ll see of Cafu in World Cups? Ribery comes out of the game too. Gouvou takes his place. Ribery has been France’s best player after Zidane. I would have liked to have seen him finish the game if he had any gas left in the tank. He was terrorizing Brazil.
74:38 – Nice one-two between Ribery and Henry down the right wing. Lucio earns himself a yellow card after going through Henry late. Lucio’s got the record and now it doesn’t matter who he kicks and when.

73:22 – Sagnol gets a yellow card for hammering into Kaka and blocking his run.

72:03 – Zidane showing he’s got life in his old legs with a fancy spin move to beat a tackle before playing on. He wants the ball tonight and France is playing all the better for it.

71:37 – Ribery again beats a couple players, leaving them on the deck in his wake. He passes to Henry who shapes to shoot. Dida is just off his line, but Henry’s eventual shot is right at him.

70:00 – Ronaldo goes down in the box and is lucky not to get a yellow card for diving. Perhaps because he has one already. France breaks AGAIN and Dida makes a fantastic diving save at Ribery’s feet right on the edge of the 18 yard box. Brazil have no answer for him tonight.

68:42 – Ribery’s speed causing Brazil problems. He gets the ball after France clears the area and before Brazil knows it the ball is at halfway and they’re breaking again. The answer is to foul and they do so on Vieira after Ribery plays him in.

67:08 – Game opening up now. France’s corner is cleared and Brazil breaks quickly through Adriano. The ball comes to Cafu and Vieira crunches him in a great tackle that earns a goal kick and Brazil gets nothing.

65:45 – Brazil with some nice passing but the move breaks down after the last pass is deflected off Gallas and safely to Barthez. Kaka involved and Adriano too.

63:48 – France breaks with speed and Ribery, Fraternitie, Equalitie clashes with Bob Carlos. Replay shows Ribery falling on Carlos, Carlos elbowing Ribery and Ribery retaliating by kicking Bob Carlos in the butt. Ref waves play on and drama is averted.

62:52 – Juninho comes out of the game and Brazil chases the goal with Adriano taking his place.

61:01 – Great chance for France! Ribery beats Cafu in the corner and lays the ball across the face of goal. Juan deflects it goalwards and puts Dida out of the action. The ball dribbles along the goal line but trickles wide out of reach of Zidane who was trying to get his old legs in there.

59:43 – There will be inquests as to what happened in Brazil’s defense on the goal. Henry was completely unmarked at the back post. Not one yellow shirt within 5 yards of him. How do you let a player like Henry run free?

58:06 – Great for the game. Brazil has to attack for the next half hour. How soon will desparation set in? France giving the critics a show. Brazil needing to dig deep.

56:04 – GGGGGOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!! Henry scores from a Zidane free kick from wide on the wing. Henry drifts to the far post and no one picks him up. Totally unmarked and onside for the first time tonight.

53:33 – Henry is called offside after he puts the ball in the back of the net. He was onside when the free kick was knocked in, but after it came off the head of a team-mate, Henry was stranded in an offside position despite his protests. He needs to both look at the replay and study the rule book.

52:10 – Henry reels in a ball into the box. He needs just a solid back heel and Vieira has a clear shot from 10 yards. Not quite enough juice on it though and Brazil clears.

50:31 – Kaka knocks over Zidane. Respect your elders, young man.

47:58 – Barthez has an attack of the crazies. First his tries to kick clear a ball that he should have caught. Then he comes a country mile for a ball, catches it then runs into his own player and drops the ball. Luckily for France, his mistakes are not punished by Brazil.

47:15 – Ronaldinho has ditched the headband for the second half. Wonder if that was his decision or FIFA’s.

45:40 – Vieira has the first chance of the second half and it was a good one. A free kick knocked into the area and he gets a clear header that is just winde. Henry is upset because he was right behind him and probably had a better leap.

Half-time Highlights: Big talking point at the half was the tackle from behind by Juan. The referee was right in not pulling out the red. There was another defender on Vieira’s shoulder. It was a bad foul but the Frenchman was not clear in on goal.

The handball by Ronaldo, however, is a different matter. The ref kinda pussed out on that one. If he’s going to give the free kick then it has to be a penalty. Where the ref positioned the wall, it was well inside the penalty area and Ronaldo was in the box when he was judged to have handled it. Brazil survives and probably deservedly so. It would have been a harsh penalty.

Half-time: No goals at the half but a much more entertaining game so far than the earlier quarter-final. Zidane has been everywhere for France and has dominated this game like he did in ‘98. France has been the more adventurous team and created better chances, although neither team has really tested either ‘keeper. The best chance of the game would have fallen to Vieira if not for Juan’s professional foul. Zidane was heavily involved in that build-up, beating a couple players before laying a perfect pass into Vieira’s path.

Brazil have shown flashes of skill and speed but have yet to really crack France’s very organized defense. Saginol has been equal to anything Bob Carlos has thrown at him. Abidal has had more work to do and had more trouble with Cafu, but when the first line fails, Gallas and Thuram have been rocks.

45+: Chaos reigns in the Brazil penalty area. Zidane’s free kick hits the wall which is every Brazil player. The ball is eventually cleared and the ref blows for half time. Ronaldo is unhappy about the card and lets the ref know all about it.

45:48 – Zidane stands over the ball of the free kick that Vieira earned. Henry hammers it into the wall and Ronaldo is judged to have handled it even though he could not have known much about it. It’s outside the box but only just. Ronaldo gets a yellow card for that and I think that’s harsh. Brazil lucky not to give away a penalty there.

43:40 -Now we see some spark from Brazil. Cafu is released by Ronaldinho and his cross is low and hard but cleared by France who break down the other end. Zidane plays Vieira into space and he charges thourhg the middle Juan hacks him down and is lucky he’s not the last defender. Ref pulls out the yellow and Juan is suspended should Brazil progress.

41:33 – France enjoying the majority of possession and frankly looking the better for it, doing more with it. Brazil not out of it by any means, but they have not controlled the ball and not done much with it. Ronaldo has barely been seen since his early header and Juninho is yet to stamp his authority on the game.

40:40 – Some wonderful close in passing by France between Zidane, Ribery and Henry. Lovely to watch even though it goes nowhere in the end.

38:29 – Apologies for the delay on the LiveBlog. Things are running a little slow here in Germany. Unlike the game we’re watching which has some excellent touches of speed.

37:08 – Cafu in the thick of it again, fouling Malouda about 30 yards out at the edge of the box. Zidane plays it in and Malouda gets a goalward header. It’s just over though.

36:23 – Zidane controlling things for the French. A slide rule pass to release Abidal down the left, but he can’t control and keep his footing and Cafu gets a toe in to clear for Brazil.

34:49 – Some scrappy play in midfield sees possession change hands (feet) a couple times in quick succession.

32:32 – Ribery on a run inside gets checked by Silva. Zidance plays it into the box but Brazil clears easily.

30:06 – France earn a corner. Sagnol tries to cross but is defelected for another corner. Malouda takes and Dida punches clear. As the ball is played back in Henry is again offside. Does he look at the line?

28:55 – Ronaldo coming very deep to get the ball, looking very fancy in his yellow boots tonight. He plays a one-two with Ronaldinho but his shot is blocked on the French 18 yard box.

27:34 – Nice work by the French down the left side this time. Zidane’s nice touch at halfway to Abidal to Malouda who crosses and Bob Carlos has a flying header to knock it out for a corner.

26:05 – Zidane’s free kick from Lucio’s foul is hit with pace but is high over the bar and no trouble for Dida.

25:28 – Lucio commits a foul and the new record is set. 4 games, 25 minutes. Who can match that?

25:10 – Ribery, Fraternitie, Equalitie has been quiet so far and the ball has been on that side plenty for the French.

24:01 – Cafu gets a yellow card for tugging at the jersey of Malouda. Good call by the ref.

23:04 – Lucio has done it! Well done, young man. He hasn’t committed a foul in 4 games and 23 minutes and counting.

21:15 – Lucio in the thick of things in defense. He’s not pulling out of tackles and willing to kick Vieira in the penalty area (he got the ball too). Don’t think he’s thinking of what’s at stake here.

20:22 – Lucio with a strong run forward, linking up with Kaka. Stay out of trouble Lucio, I want you to get that record.

18:55 – France enjoying some good possession down the right side. The cross comes in but surprise, surprise, Henry is called offside.

17:04 – Lucio is poised to become to player who has the longest time before commiting a foul in the World Cup. If he makes it to the 23 minute mark, he’ll have the record. He’ll take the mantle from Carlos Gamarra of Paraguay.
15:50 – An almost identical ball from Ronaldinho is looking for Kaka down the same wing but it is just too hard for him and France have a goal kick.

14:42 – Ronaldinho shows some class with a diagonal ball to Ronaldo who had drifted wide. His cross is low and hard but no support to finish the nice move.

13:30 – Scrambles in the Brazil 18 yard box. Tackles flying in but all ball. France wins a corner. The ball breaks out to Ribery and he blasts high over the bar.

11:39 – At the other end, Henry has a shot from outside the area that Lucio blocks with his face. He’s a bit groggy and gets some attention. France plays on against a ten man Brazil and Henry has a shot blocked from 8 yards.

10:40 – Free kick for Brazil is bent in by Ronaldinho. Ronaldo at the back post gets a clear header but can’t do much with it and it goes wide.

07:34 – Already more offside calls in the first minutes of this game than we saw in all of the England-Portugal game. This game is being played at a much higher tempo too.

06:38 – Zidane getting stuck in early, throwing his body into tackles. Looks like he came to play today.

04:42 – Another free kick for Brazil. Juan is clear and tries to back heel it into the goal. He’s called for offside and the shot goes high anyway.

02:47 – Ronaldinho sporting an ‘R’ headband. Since when was it all about him? Is he starting to believe his own hype? He wins a free kick 25 yards out.

01:05 – Bright start for France. Some nice touches for Zidane early on. All the big names of football are in the crowd tonight. Platini, Joao Havelange, the ever-present Beckenbauer. Even Jacques Chirac made the trip over to see his team.

00:01 – We’re off! Replay of the ‘98 final and let’s hope we see as many goals tonight. The winner faces Portugal in the semis. Brazil carrying only one yellow card (Juan), France with three. Zidane, Ribery and Vieira are France’s backbone and to lose any of them should France progress would be a huge blow.

5 minutes to go: France in white tonight. Not sure why they could not play in blue, unless they’re feeling lucky in white. More messages from the captains to stamp out racism in the game before the national anthems.

10 minutes to go: Some match-ups this game that could prove critical in how the teams do tonight:
Ribery vs Cafu/Bob Carlos – A couple of ageing players up against a youngster who’s confidence is growing with every game. Both Brazil’s wing-backs still have some spring in their step but as the game goes on Ribery’s speed may create some opportunities out wide.

Ronaldinho vs whoever marks him – With some more freedom in a wider and more forward role, Ronaldinho might just be about to have the game we’ve been waiting to see from him ever since those Nike ads starting making the rounds. I don’t expect France to man-mark him, but I imagine Vieira will not be far from his side for most of the night.

20 minutes to go: Over on the France team blog, remembering the previous World Cup meetings between these two teams we have some entertaining games. France has won the last two encounters. I just hope we don’t go to penalties again. I don’t think my heart, or my fingers, can take any more.

30 minutes to go: Interesting news on the Brazil line-up over on the Brazil team blog. Looks like Ronaldinho will be playing in a more forward role, while Juninho Pernambucano will take on the midfield distribution. It seems like a more attacking formation, with more creativity. Juninho has impressed me with what I’ve seen of him and I’m looking forward to seeing him start.

Pre-game: Who do you think will win?
France has surprised a lot of folks, getting this far in a tournament with an ‘old’ squad. Probably most French supporters are only now just getting behind their team after their late heroics against Spain. With Zidane enjoying some good touches on the ball, Ribery causing problems out wide, and Henry constantly testing the offside trap (and doing some great acting work on the side), France have shown they can score if you’re not paying attention.

Against Ghana, Brazil defended like schoolboys. No one was making a challenge and Ghana was able to string short passes together on the edge of the area that would have severely punished the World Champions if Ghana could finish. If they do so again today, France will tear them apart. Brazil seem to have been going through the tournament doing just enough to win. When Japan scored first against them, it was like waking a sleeping lion. They blasted 4 past the hapless Japanese. One or two goals will not be enough for a comfortable win tonight.

My prediction: Brazil 3-2 France.

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://www.worldcupblog.org/game-previews/preview-brazil-vs-france.html Preview: Brazil vs. France – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] LIVEBLOG Follow the match highlights as they happen on the Brazil vs. France LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match [...]
http://aol marcos

This PARREIRA GUY IS VERY STUPID bRAZIL WINS BECAUSE THE PLAYERS ARE SO GOOD THAT INSPITE OF THE COACH THE TEAM May WIN all.
There is a time for eveything and thwe time for Emerson, Cafu Roberto Carlos is gone. They are dread weight in the Brazil team. Adriano also. The players who should be there are Cicinho. Gilberto, Juninho Pernambucano and Robinho. With these 4 guys Brazil would be champions easily but…the STUPID coach…..
See, from my perspective the main problem with Brazil soccer is the coaches. Brazil should have an obligation of winnning the World Cup every year. it does not because of the coaches.
How can this guy be using 33 34 35 year olds????? ABSURD.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/group-f/another-day-another-battle.html Another day, another battle – FIFA World Cup 2006 – Brazil World Cup Team Blog

[...] Brazil plays against France in less than 7 hours. See the preview preview here, and then follow the liveblog here. [...]
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-brazil-vs-france.html bernard

brazil mid need ronaldinoh
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

My prediction/desire: Brazil to win 3-1 during the 90 minutes, Zidane to score and be chanted at by both Brazilian and French supporters. Lots of tears falling at the end of the game.
Vandana Singh

Hi guys!
What time, Indian time, does the brazil france match start?
Love all
Vandu
SES

Brazil 2-2 regulation; 3-2 in overtime.
Ekul

It’s like World Cup 1998 Final, except Ronaldo is fit (albeit a bit fatty), and he is the World Cup top scorer, ever… France did a good job against Spain, showing they will fight to the end, Brazil do use too many players past their prime (Cafu, Roberto Carlos etc…) but I still expect them to win, let’s hope Ronaldinho shows a bit of magic that he’s known for.
werttrew99

Brazil wins 3-0, exacting revenge for ‘98.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Pretty colored stadium. No color is dominating.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

A shot of lots of Croatia supporters on the stands.
Andreia & Alex

Can’t wait for the start
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Here’s to Zidane! Cheers! I’m hoping for a great retirement-inducing match :)
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

JUNINHO!@
Vico

Here we go!!!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

A lot of offense, but no actual goal kicks against France’s goal yet…
squiggle

I’ve been worrying about this match since France beat Spain.
Samira

OHHH MY GOD~ IM SOOO SCARED BUT I PRAY THAT WE DO WIN~ 3-0 HAHAH TALK BOUT REVENGE~ SERIOUSLY I PRAY WE DO WIN~ GOOD LUCK TO BOTH SIDES~
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Here’s a useless fact: Only two of the winners of the FIFA World Football Player of the Year Award from the last 10 years are not on the field: Rivaldo and George Weah.
GT

What’ this? France trying to do some fancy footwork.. Now that was messy around the goal. Brasil needs to work on keeping that area clean. France wants to get in early.
Rafael

This match is so exciting
Liliana

That pass was “donkey” as my Brasiliera friend likes to say.
pawan

france 3:2 brasil
GT

Brasil testing the armor..

looking for its weak spots, once they find the hole.. the canon will sound.
Jodido

Harkes’ voice keeps cracking. Puberty’s a bitch.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Still, I need a Brazilian goal.
Rafael

CAfu sux, where is Cicinho?
Rome

There goes Cantalejo’s chance to ref the final…
GT

Dang a card. Anyway, one think I can say… I think I will get my card quota today. Silly for him to have got it for that.
Goalkeeper

I’m rooting for France. It’s not that I have any particular dislike for Brazil but I’d like to see that “small group of old men” win one last time. :D
GT

I thought Zidane had a better foot than that. It seems that in many of the goal shot the ball is going extraodinarily high. I wonder…
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

I feel like having a heart attack.. give me one Brazilian goal! :(
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

GT: yeah, but still, he’s playing very good. Great passes, great dribbles. This is Zidane alright.

But I still hope this is his last professional game.
GT

Oh, Joga Bonito
GT

Whats with Henry and that goal hanging.. that’s a few offisdes for him.
http://deleted ks

i agree with ze. zidane i playing very well so far in this game.
GT

Nice try and change of strategy by the Frence. They are surely keeping Brasil on their feet.
Rafael

PLease, dont pass the ball to Cafu
marco

there was a penalty on vieira, right?

As I did with Portugal, I have bet on France, cause it was overpayed for passing the turn: 2,70!
25 Euros for 67 to win. Let’s hope! see you all.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Brazil’s offense is quite lost. France is attacking more… even though both teams aren’t kicking it to the goal.

C’mon Brazil… give me one GOL!
Alex

If somebody still says that Italy plays in difence I “kill” him. Look at this match. So boring…
GT

Ouch that hurt! Told you.. right in the a..
Jodido

What a game so far!

Zizou!!!!!!!!!!

If Brazil would turn it up a notch (or three) though…
Rafael

ZIdane is great.
squiggle

This match is NOT boring. It’s terrifying.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Oh Zidane…
Griff

that should have been a red
AJ

Juan with the yellow. Could make a case for red.
http://deleted ks

i am getting slowly disappointed with the brazilians.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

that had to hurt
Samira

Mr.Zidane, is great! however with all respect may this be his final game… this game is exciting but i dunnoo…. Brazil has to get in there~
marco

For any other team but Germany, there would have been the red.
alex

who’s jogo bonito now….that was def a yellow card but what a thuggish move from brasil
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

GT: well, it least it was a football ball in the ass, not a football shoe in the crotch (like Rooney against Portugal).

Oh no, another free kick…
AJ

Zidane looks like he 22 all over again.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

I bet that yellow is making him see red…
AJ

Referee penalizing Brazil but not as harshly as he could. First a tackle and then a hand ball right out the box.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

That should have been red.

And honestly, this is one of those situations where they should borrow from hockey and give the penalty.
GT

Now that card on Roanldo was bull…
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Well, what an end for the 1st half.

Brazil started well but France got increasingly better. Zidane is playing like he’s 26 years old. This one will be tough as expected. I hope Parreira fixes the team during the break. Brazil is not doing bad, but it’s not doing good either. If Henry had a better eye to avoid offsides, they could already had a few chances to score.
AJ

Brazil lucky to get away with that ending. France played an excellent half. Much more exciting than the first game.
Rafael

By the rules, it shouldn´t be red.
GT

Ze, I feel you on that. Pity with all thoses chances the Frence still could not deliver. It has been handed to them over three times and each time they choked!

Brasil needs to wake up. BUt you know how they come in the second half.
Rafael

The card to Ronaldo was right, he interrupted the course of the ball with the hand.
Bobbio

Yellow!!! EAT THAT Ronaldo!
dietmar

clear chance at a goal+ hard tackle fromm behind=red
Alex

No boring? All the match is played in the middle. Both teams use a 4-5-1. First thing, not take goals. It seams to watch Swiss-Ukraina.
SES

Zidane sure isn’t showing his age. France is on the attack! Brazil needs to defend against the French attacks.. my goodness. This game is exciting.
Alex

How many shots to the net?
Goalkeeper

Very exciting first half then. I hope France can keep the momentum! :D
Vico

France playing excellent. Ronaldo’s hand was inside the penalty area! Lucky brake for Brazil. Whew! I’mm still rooting for them…
Rafael

Before the WC starts , in BRazil, the Company Casas Bahia was offering if you buy one big plasma tv in case Brazil wins the cup, you get another one for free.

Do you guys think i should have bought?
Rafael

dietmar | July 1st, 2006 at 9:49 pm

clear chance at a goal+ hard tackle fromm behind=red

Wasnt clear chance, because there was another defender infront, and wasnt from behind.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Alex: none yet. Neither goalkeeper had to make any defense, although France’s attack is getting closer.
Kevin

brazil wins by 2 and zidane is 34 yrs old and still runs all over. look how much problems hes causin in the middle and distrubtiin the ball to henry.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

dietmar: it wasn’t a clear chance since both defenders were at his side; plus, he struck the ball first, then later being in front of the attacker.

A foul, but a far cry from the “red when clear goal” rule.
dietmar

i think some of these refs may have handed one out though!
Rome

France should of been awarded a penalty for Ronaldo’s handball.

The ref sux!!!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org/group-f/brazil-0-0-france.html Brazil 0 – 0 France – FIFA World Cup 2006 – Brazil World Cup Team Blog

[...] Math liveblog here [...]
ab initio

France is playing a lot better than I expected. I knew their defense would be solid and would not allow Brasil much chances. But Zidnae has been spectacular creating many opportunities.

If France continue at this level they can score. Brasil is nowhere near France’s goal. Their mid-field has no control of the ball and Ronaldo is being completely outplayed in the box.

This looks like France’s game.
dietmar

wouldnt want to underestimate brazil when it comes to goal scoring.
Layla

I’m tired of all the talk about the Brazilians and their magic talent. I believe that they are way overrated.
I hope the second half will be as entertaining as the first, but most of all I wish (and I pray) that Zidane and ses amis will create a nice surprise. Allez les Blues, Zizou vous êtes une merveille.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

ab initio: unfortunatelly, you’re right. I hope the game chances on this second half.
Bobbio

You guys leave him alone! Ronaldo can’t help it that he’s so fat his pudgy swolen wrists are always in direct line with the ball no matter where he puts them! Have a heart!
AJ

Barthez looking shaky. Coupet should have been their number 1.
Arjuno

Top of 2nd and Brasil better pick it up and show some desire to win!
Tom

Henry tries yto act by grabbing his head but gets no call. Good job, ref.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

my nerves can’t take another game going to penalty….
AJ

France playing excellent team defense and have given up a shot on goal yet.
AJ

Does Henry know the offside rule?
GT

That was very close. Frances persistence may pay off. Brasil is still too lax..

See what I mean. And once again ol boy is offside!!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Duh, is he def?
GT

Trish, Such is the joy of soccer. That is why there is an increase in heart attacks in Europe during international tournaments. Such excitment is just too addicting.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Same here, Trish.. but what breaks my heart and is giving me an ulcer is the fact that France is playing better so far.

C’mon Brazil! Give me a goal!
dietmar

not the brazil of yesteryear!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

which side was singing? couldn’t tell
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

The French are much more noisy, Trish. Hear when Zidane do a good pass.

Goal, France. :(
pawan

GOAL
Trapper

Henry!!!
GT

And France gets in 1_0
marco

I usually hate Brazilian team. They are complaining all the time! All the time with their hands raised.

When they win easily they smile all the time. Easy play. Joga bonito. Nike ad. etc.
AJ

Goaal Henry!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

maybe that will wake up The Boys from Brazil!

GOOOAAAALLL!
squiggle

Oh Zizou! Oh Henry!
AJ

Henry was completey unmarked on that play.
marco

YES!!!!!
Liliana

Was that offside?
Tom

Does Brazil start to play now?
Phil

Brazil is going to have to attack now. This is gonna get good :-)
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

How do you leave Henry unmarked on a free kick?

Brazil really screwed themselves over there.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Liliana: No offside. Really bad call by the defense; he was left unmarked.
Liliana

Ze, thanks! My boyfriend is absolutely convinced Brazil will come back and win but it doesn’t calm the butterflies in my stomach.
GT

Now the Brazilians will wake up. It seems to be their modi operendi.

Beautiful work by France, and Henrys goal hugging paid off.
Tom

France won’t play the stupid defensive game like Argentina and Spain. They’re up by 1 and they’ll continue to attack, I think.
thom

Zidane might not be the physically strongest player of the game , but boy can the man handle the ball !!!! magic…
http://dinorider.blogspot.com Dinorider

wake up you Brazil!
Trapper

I liked the way Ribery just got up and played on there, rather than demanding a card/free-kick.

Kinda sad that it’s worth commenting on, though.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

I don’t think we will be seeing any Brazil footage from this game, so far, in a Nike or Jogo Bonito ad…Wjat are they waiting for???
Jodido

Bring on Trezeguet!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

!!!!!!!!!
http://dinorider.blogspot.com Dinorider

OMG
almost 2 = 0
dietmar

france showed up to play!!!
squiggle

My stomach hurts.
Chris

I wonder if JP will tell us if Zidane will keep playing soccer after the world cup is over.
Liliana

They need to be playing that surdo louder, Brasil needs some rhythm.
sergio

We won’t be seeing any Ronaldo commercials after this performance.
Rafael

Adriano? Nooooooo
Tom

Chris,

JP stinks. Hope this helps. :)

Univision = mejor.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Brazil looks shell-shocked. They’re already defeated.
GT

What, a cheek injury?
marco

have you seen ribery????
sergio

Brazil’s midfield isn’t controlling the ball.
Rafael

I already accepted my disapointing about Brazil losing this game.

Playing very badly.
Tyrone

Brazil isn’t playing good offense.
marco

kick in roberto carlos’ ass
Phil

Brazil looking like mere mortals tonight. The curse of Europe
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

I don’t know, but I think putting Adriano now won’t do much good. The team lacks mobility, not finishing.

We need Robinho… time is running short.
pawan

only french has killing instinct against brasil. the are doing a great job.
Jodido

Why bring on Adriano? Where the hell is Robinho?
Tom

Ze, what’s Robinho’s health status?
Phil

I agree with Ze. Robinho needs to come in to bring some pace.
Rafael

Why the hell they still insists in passing the ball to Cafu, is the same as wasting the chance.
ZZZ

Brazil is playing very poorly. France is outplaying them in every way possible. This Brazil team is way overrated. LOTS and LOTS of talent but not playing well together as in years past…
Liliana

Brasil is our last chance for the Americas. Screw an all European final!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Tom: Robinho is already fine, and was OK’d for this match.
Tom

How many subs left for Brazil? Sorry, I just got into this match like 10 minutes ago.
Rafael

For god sake, put in Robinho and Cicinho
Phil

Ronaldo should have stayed on his feet and shot the bloody thing.
Chris

Looked like a diving yellow for Ronaldo
Rafael

brazilian players already gave up. WHATTA HELL!!!!
GT

Fantastic save!!
Phil

Zidane is da man tonight.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Brazil has 2 subs left, France all 3.
Trapper

Tense moment there.

For a second I thought Dida was going to bring down Ribery outside the box and get sent off.
http://deleted ks

brazil has been so disappointing. i am giving up on them. the french are outclassing them completely.
Liliana

France is running circles around Brazil. What universe am I in?
Farah Abdulrazzaq

GO BRAZIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BRAZIL!!!!! GO BRAZIL!!!!!!!!!!
GT

Flapping! Got the card for that…
Andreia & Alex

I have to give it to France they are playing very well. I can’t believe Robinho is just now coming in.
Goalkeeper

I just went out for a smoke and now France is ahead?! I should go out again and have another smoke. Hahaha! Maybe half-a-pack will do. :D
Phil

Too much standing around by Brazil. They aren’t cutting away from the ball tonight. They look to be playing a lazy game.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

COuld he have said “F*ck that” any more plainly?? Univision caught it..
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

That is France’s first card — in the 73rd minute.

I thought they were going to go through the game without incurring one card.

They are just running Brazil into the ground on the counterattack.
Tom

France was a team that looked thoroughly unimpressive in the earlier rounds. They have really come on in the knockout rounds…wow. They are outplaying Brazil in every facet of the game.
GT

Brasil is making a lot of stupid mistakes. Their brains are scrambled. Cininho?
Rafael

Lucio lost his breath already.
kin

suicides tonight in brazil.
Rafael

Robinho, for the last 15 minutes? NICE estrategy Parreira
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Cicinho is coming on. Brazil steps up the attack.
Vico

Only 1-0 so far, but it feels like France ‘98 all over again…Brazil being built up as the power house (for being the defending world champions), all the media talk about them and all the ads highlighting them… but they are just not the team they have been claiming to be … France is jst so dominating tonight! It’s proving that this is the very first true challenger of the Boys of the Amazon.
thom

Even if the Brasil win, this cup dethroned them and Argentinia as major forces in football, imho.
No more magic and creativity in their play, it’s a shame.
fernando

Brazil, team of f**s. I’m brazilian, but
I just feel like throwing up my lunch when seeing Adriano and R. Carlos playing.
Tom

Good sub by Brazil.
Phil

Ribery played a hell of a game.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

See ya, Cafu…

And that crowd shot of the Brazilians all sitting down…Very odd!
dietmar

what a great job #22 has done, and against carlos!
Vico

Yes! Robinho’s in!!!
Slash

Brazil struggling on the 1st real challenge they came up this WC.

France is outplaying them…

Shame its only 1-0 still
It should have been 3 – 0
Jodido

Brazil in full offensive mode. I want to see some fireworks!
Tom

Robinho for Kaka.
Phil

Robinho coming on to be the hero.
Lulu

Yikes! I missed most of the first half. I should have been getting lunch during that unfortunate England/Portugal game.

I like what I’ve seen so far! Sorry that Ribery had to come off. The guy has real guts and came to play, not dive. Loved the goal – super!

Of course, Le French Goalie provides heart attacks no matter who you want to win!

Oh boy, here comes Brazil!
Liliana

Welcome back, Lulu!
GT

What.. Robinho? Oh Oh

Bout bloody time.
sergio

We’ll see what robinho can do with what little time brazil has left
http://deleted ks

it would be so exciting if brazil equalizes now.
sergio

Brazil only needs a few good opportunities to turn the game around despite their poor overall play.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Now it’s Robinho on.

France is playing such a tight defense that you wonder why Brazil isn’t doing more to stretch it out. France is leaving multiple Brazilians open.
Rafael

Is incretable how every player never admits their fouls, mostly of the times, they are wrong about complaning.
Lulu

Scrappy play — these guys understand that this game is IT for one of them! Why do so many other teams play like it’s practice? And now Brazil has every shooter they could sub.

Exciting!!!
Tom

Brazil won’t crack that French defensive nut with direct shots. They need to spread the d out a bit or try and bank a few shots off of French defenders to grab some corners.

I don’t see Brazil scoring with their current attack plan without a set piece.
dietmar

pretty cheap non-call, you cant just scoop up the ball with your hands….sign of desperation?
Vico

nice Ronaldo dive…
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Brazil will only score if France lowers the tempo.

Here’s to hope it’ll happen, of course, but I still see France better. :/
Jodido

Maybe that’s karma for Henry’s dive against Spain.
Andreia & Alex

I’m glad that France didn’t just sit on their score and try the lets waste time game.
Rafael

Parreira also gave up. Brazil, say good bye to the World Cup.
Phil

Brazil finally puts together something that looks like an attack.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Less than ten minutes from an all-European final.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWN.

Too bad the game is at 9am instead of 9pm here. I could use the sleep aid.
Chris

Brazil will score if France starts playing panic defense in the final minutes here
Tom

Ronaldo’s shot goes wide due to a deflection. Not a great shot anyway.
Andrew

Did anyone else get the feeling that Brazil was too relaxed this world cup?
sergio

thumbs down to an all european final
Tom

Lucio fails to punish Barthez.
dietmar

ranaldo…what a ham!!!
Rafael

What a diving!!! and the Oscar goes to… Ronaldooooo!!!!!
matilda

This was worth getting up at 5am on a Sunday morning for. C’mon France… allez Zizou! You deserve to win this one.
http://deleted ks

what? that was not a yellow.
Lulu

OMG!
“In the remaining minutes, what must France do?”
STOP BRAZIL FROM SCORING YOU IDIOT ESPN ANNOUNCER!

Thanks for the welcome Liliana :-) But I’m not sure I’ve got any nicknames. Heroic Henry? And choose who you’d like for the Scud Stud?Renaldo the Round?

Or perhaps Renaldo the Oscar Worthy Diver?
GT

Can they do it???
Phil

Dive from Ronaldo. Terrible
Slash

Kaka dived and referee booked Sagnol :(

Ronaldo dived now at the 88th minute too
kin

nice dive ronoldo :)
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Karma.
Vico

Don’t see how Brazil could equalize at this point…It’s over…
sergio

choke.
Antonio Domingo

Felicitations France!!!! Thoroughly deserved. Now you meet Portugal

Muhahaha
squiggle

So: Two dives and one handball from Ronaldo.
Andreia & Alex

Sorry Ze, we wanted Brazil to win but they are clearly not the better team today
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Ronaldo just stomped off the pitch.

Poor sport on his part.

France played a good, clean game.

Maybe he is in a hurry to get to diving practice?
kin

get your nooses out Brazil
http://deleted ks

okay brazil needs to go home now.
dietmar

BARTHEZ!!!
sergio

one of the biggest chokes in history.
Tom

This one is done.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

END.

Oh well.

At least we were clearly outmatched, it wasn’t because of a referee error or something.

Congratulations France, congratulations Zidane.
Rafael

Bye World Cup
Liliana

Lulu, Ronaldo Louganis?
GT

Best player.. Zidane, Best dive.. Ronaldo, Best attack and team play.. France, Worst teamwork.. Brasil, Slowest coach.. Brasil (should have sent Ronaldiho in earlier), worst cup.. all Europe! Best time.. when I take a nap.
squiggle

Oh, and a dive.
fernando

Ronaldo is bloated pig.
Vico

Done! Finished! Congratulations to France! Well deserved!!!
GT

Hey anybody got some grub, I’m starving any buddies fridge is empty!!
Brasil is out!! Just no team work. I think they came in too confident.

You can never underestimate the enemy. France did their homework, hats off to their coach. They deserved it, they played with heart!
Andrew

Maybe brazil was too relaxed this cup?
Lulu

Any of you ever seen an Esther Williams movie? You know, the professional swimmer with the most amazing set pieces with sparklers, flying into the water from trapezes, mermaids and who knows what? Fabulous old Hollywood correography to die for.

Well, this whole Cup has been filled with people who should time travel and work in Hollywood!

It’s over! Wow!
Liliana

All European final! Loud boos from the Americas!
squiggle

*Sings La Marseillaise and bursts into tears*
kin

good ridance!!!
http://deleted ks

feel bad for the brazilians but the french totally deserve this win.
dietmar

PORTUGAL V. FRANCE who’d of thought that!
pawan

adeus brasil.
Vico

Yes, France ‘98 all over again, …minus 2 goals…
Tom

France has a really good shot at another World Cup championship…
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

An all-Europe final. From the people who brought you the sleeping pill, diving, and corrupt sporting federations.

BE THERE!
Goalkeeper

“Pito na ref!!!” Translation: blow the whistle already ref!!! :D
Vico

Bet Linda Evangelista is all smiles right now.
squiggle

What a fantastic, nerve-jangling second half.
dietmar

brazil ever been shut-out at this stage on the tourney?
kin

all european??? france are clearly not european…hahaha
Bobbio

Ronaldo can go home now and drown his sorrows in a tub of ice-cream!
Liliana

I am soooo glad I stayed home to watch the game instead of watching it at the Brazilian restaurant. I don’t think I can handle depressed Brazilians. It just seems so against their nature.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“one of the biggest chokes in history.”

Not even in the top 10, honestly. I can think of 10 in golf that were bigger. Most of them feature Greg Norman.
Samira

wow what a sad sad sad sad game :( omg im so sad….
Goalkeeper

Finally!!! Good work by France. Cheers! :D
matilda

Best team won. End of story. So happy for Zizou and his old legs! And, unlike most Australians, I think that Spanish ref Cantalejo is fine.
Tom

I don’t think this was a choke, at all. Some analysts picked France to win this one.
Liliana

“all european??? france are clearly not european…hahaha”

Sadly, I overheard an obnoxious American guy say the same thing during the France vs Spain game. I guess all that FIFA anti-racist stuff is around for a reason.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Yeah, Zidane was the man of the match, no doubt.
Vico

Yes, Brazil has been knckoed out at his stage before. They haven’t always gotten to the semis.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“all european??? france are clearly not european…hahaha”

Thanks, Jean-Marie Le Pen.
Samira

seriously what a huge huge upset… biggest ever… :(
Vico

kin, very funny! LOL!
SES

France did an amazing job today with the assistance of Zidane and Ribery. Kudos to Henry as well for the great goal. =)
Vico

And the Wolrd Cup becomes the Euro Cup 2006
Lulu

Liliana,

Poor Greg Louganis is gonna have to sue a whole lotta people! ;-)

Rotund Ronaldo?
Ca-Phooey?
I must be hungry — can’t think of anything else right now. No, that’s not it…

Time for a beer!
Troglodyte

I’m happy Brazil lost. If only because now we don’t have to listen to American announcers blab about how Brazilians play football unlike anyone in the world, doing backflips and such on the pitch. Too many damn Nike commercials.
Israel

South America shut out again
Israel

at least they didnt try to start a fight like Argentina yesterday
bAllack

Brazil boneheads got owned!!!!!
They were 2 sure about the win n they lost!Now Germany will definitely b the World Champions! Go Go Go Pologermans! ;o)
http://dinorider.blogspot.com Dinorider

allez allez Zidane!
Viva la France!

so sorry for Brazil
Bobbio

And how about that DIVE from Ronaldo? I felt the ground shaking from here!
Vico

Well, I hope Germany makes it to the finals and for not other reason that there is an interesting statistic of sort: Since 1950 every single Champonship game – except for ‘78 – has feautured either Germany or Brazilas one of the two teams playing for the ultimate cup. Pretty amazing huh?
http://dinorider.blogspot.com Dinorider

BTW Posted from Peru
dietmar

try univision, they have much better commentators, even if ya cant speak spanish…lol
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Brazil made one mistake, and Henry made them pay for it. And after that, France really clamped down on defense. Brazil looked asleep until Robinho came on.

Great performance by the French. They’re a more solid team than I think any of us expected.

Brazil has so many young players that they’re just going to reload for South Africa.
tuanny

It’s a sweet gesture to see many Brazil players come over to congratulate Zindane after the game. It’s good to see the Brazilians not sulking like previous losers.
squiggle

Delighted for France; sorry for Brazil (especially those who won’t be back – Cafu, Carlos). I find it hard to believe anyone found that boring.
Tom

Bobbio, your posts are always terrible. Congratz for being a waste of life.
Liliana

Lulu: Ca-phoeey, brilliant!
Lurch

An upset, but not a huge one. The French defense and midfield has so much quality it is ridiculous. And then toss in Henry.

Frances defensive mids and backline are the best in the world.
enzo

the better team won – brazil never look like a team deserving to be in the final – it didn’t play like brazil and it didn’t look brazil – the only thing that was brazilian was the gold shirts and blue shorts
Vico

Yes,… Univision has more animated commentators… although they still make bonehead coments like this one at the beginning of the game: “Brazil is going to come unto the field to try to win this game” duuuuuuuuuuh!
Liliana

tuanny: my thoughts exactly.
btw, what was up with argentina yesterday after their match?
http://BravolesBleus Layla – United States

Yeeeeees, I’m in heaven. Victory well deserved. I just couldn’t watch the last few minutes of the game, so I took my dog for a walk. I’m pretty sure I’ll be watching the replay on Galavision. Peace out
Goalkeeper

I wouldn’t call this result an upset exactly. The French did beat the Brazilians 3-1 in the 1998 Final, right?
Lurch

And Zidane! What a clinic he put on display.

Where was Ronaldihno????? MIA (if anyone failed to live up to the hype, he did).
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

dw: Brazil made one mistake but overall the match belonged to France. It could have been a greater score and it’d still be fair and square.

It’s funny that France didn’t actually SHOT so much to the goal – I don’t think either GKs had to make difficult defenses – but overall they dominated the possession and created the better plays so they deserved it.
Liliana

France vs Italy-worst Final ever!
Vico

“Bobbio, your posts are always terrible. Congratz for being a waste of life.”

LOL.

…but give Bobbio a break… nice color commentary, dontcha think?
Vico

France was excellent today. Very solid and determined. Smart playing too. Zinadane should stick around beyond this World Cup; he seems to have A LOT left in him.
Lurch

Liliana,

how can you say France is boring to watch? They were masterful today. And Zidane, all I can say is WOW–the best player on the pitch, still.
Troglodyte

Lurch, not only that, but Italy was electrifying against Ukraine yesterday.
Liliana

Lurch:
I never said France were boring to watch. I don’t think I would enjoy a France vs. Italy final. I’m not a fan of either team despite loving Serge Gainsbourg and the Situationists.
SES

Liliana -

The final has yet to be decided. France did a great job tonight with their speed and attacks. They played defensively and silenced their critics. Brazil is a superb team but they had lacked their spark throughout the match. France deserved to advance with their performance. I’m sure Brazil will be just as powerful in 2010. The semis sure are going to be exciting.
squiggle

Another Serge Gainsbourg fan. *approves*
Vico

Well the triangle goes like this…Germany always looses to Italy, Italy always looses to France, and Franc always looses to Germany. I think Germany -Portugal would be a good final.
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Vico, after Portugal’s display today, I doubt.

I think we’ll see Germany vs France this time.
kin

i like when a team is of full blood and native..then its a true representation of that country ya know….I think the more teams become like france the less I will watch…

its a primal thing, we all have it, its what draws everbody to this tounament and makes it the most watched, and we will never solve racism, its basic.

we are all talking monkeys after all.
FunkyCrime

Please not portugal – they are a bunch of cheats – rolling around on the floor, faking injury…id much rather see a france v italy final. Although italy arent the cleanest team, they arent as dirty as portugal
Vico

Ze, yeah… you’re probably right… although I think it would be good to have someone that has never been champion in the final. Spread the wealth, you know?
Sylvia

Well, some of us are talking monkeys…
Vico

Ze, …okay… if its Germany vs France in the Final, who do you want? I’ll probably root for Germany
hurt

Bye Brasil. You deserved that. Zizou is the best. Ribery is great. Stupid Galatasaray would not let him go
FiNi

wooooooooooooooooooooooo
Go France go!!!
Now who’s having fun of the argies?
chau “o melhor equipe da copa”
Adios hermanos!
http://radix-lecti.blogspot.com Prashanth

France Vs Germany would be great. I want the two fu**ing dirty teams OUT!
http://brazil.worldcupblog.org Zé

Vico: yeah, if you look at it that way, it’s actually cool that the team that will get it is a team that hadn’t won it in a while, so people will get off our backs since we were knocked out so soon. :)

In regards to who’s favorite, I don’t know. I was really loving Germany, but at the same time I slightly support Portugal. But France had a good display today and I’m compeled to support Zidane so he can quit his professional career in style, with a title. At the same time I have Italian heritage so I wouldn’t have a problem cheering for them.

Decisions, decisions… I’ll watch all games, but in the end I’ll root for a good show of football: no 0-0, penalty kick decisions, and no referee mistakes.
Lurch

France all the way.

I have to say the home team always has an overwhleming advantage. Did you listen to the way the German fans whistled loudedly on EVERY Argentine possession? Incredible.

Would love to see this extremely high quality French team (the highest quality starting lineup in the WC this year, second only to Brazil, as far as I am concerned) beat Germany.
proto20

Brazil´s out!!!!!!
I´m very very happy!!!!
kin

NO….we are all talking monkeys.

and Portugal are definitely the most violent and under handed team out there…Did anyone see C.Ronoldo wink and shoosh towards his bench after the Rooney send off??? what a snake….talking snake:)
Bobbio

Zizou was simply just awe-inspiring today. He played as if he was thirty all over again!
cyberkraze

Two results today and both unexpected ones. France deserved to win today and zidane showed the young pretenders of Brazil, who is the real boss!

Though brazil is out the charm of the world cup still remains, coz the game that Brazil played today, quite frankly is avoidable.
SES

Zidane was playing like he was in his 20’s – absolutely amazing.
robarge

ALLEZ LA FRANCE
kin

portugal will lose for the same reason brazil lost today. individualism

good bye yall
Vico

Ze, Yeah, I can totally see the pressure Brazilians always have to get to the final, and anything short is considered the most massive failure ever. In the end, and just like you, I hope it is a great final match with no controversies. Just clean world class futbol.
mike

this is what happens when FIFA seeds overrated teams, cherry picks easy teams for these ‘favorites’, all backed by biased referees. Had Ghana had a top striker like Henry, we’d be talking about a France-Ghana game.
Here’s to all those who thought this will be another brazilian thrashing… I’ll take my $2400 win on betting on France.. HA!
Vico

I’m outta here… for now. See all of you Tuesday at the semis.
Josimars

I am so glad they lost its not funny. I have been saying this for the last 2 years. Cafu is too old and Roberto Carlos is way past his prime. Kaka is also only effective when he has the ball and he is not Zidane. Poor Ronaldinho he was no where to be seen.
Vico

p.s. Thanks for the great Blog Chris!
SES

Portugal or France?

The game is gonna be a nailbiter!
dani

for all of u happy about brazil losing… im not that upset bc we win everytime anyways… so its about time to let the weak ones win dont u think?? it was getting boring to win everytime already. however, i really hope our mother country portugal takes france down and im sure they can. well thats all we are still number one no matter what and watch out for the next cup bc were gonna b back….
duvali

^^ just hope you dont meet france again.

viva la france
Amalia

Okay so what Brazil lost,that means for the all the people who live in the West Side we got no players representing us. Now it’s all the European Countries. It’s more like the Euro Cups now instead of the World Cup. But there is no complaints France did a good job, who knows maybe Brazil will win the next World Cup. Congrats to the Remaining teams. None of y’all can’t hate, you should have nothing but respect for the four final countries.
http://www.intel.com Paul

This cup have a big problem, it’s a Euro Cup, not a really world cup as we all are thinking about.

‘Cause of the popularity , and the requesting of the united Europe, they use the football to link countries of Europe.

U.E. is the real “Black Hand” behind the games.
Troglodyte

I think it’s funny that fans of a team that has won FIVE TIMES are complaining that this is the “Euro” Cup, when just a week ago they were joking it was the “Brazil Cup.”
Welsh

Weak ones, ha ha ha! dani, the Brazilians were simply outplayed, plain and simple. Why don’t you accept it. I said the French will beat Spain and they did and I said they will beat Brazil and they did. Thanks for my jarhead friend I am $200 richer. But, the one with Portugal it’s a bit hard to call, I am still betting on the French though as I did against the overrated English team. Now at least we have left with teams who can play the game the way it should be played, thank god.
Jt

Hi guys,
I didn’t watch the match today, I can’t believe my phone was off for no reason and obviously, no alarm to wake me up…Please tell me if anyone happens to find out a website where I can watch the whole match again online. Thanks in advance!

And which team is my favourite of all time? FRANCE :-)
Keyser

whoa. I didn’t expected this.
what we argentineans may learn for the next one: this is how you play against a heavywheight. you score and you don’t put your 10 players inside your box. you keep on playing. you don’t make defensive subsitutions when there’s still 25 minutes to go. if you feel that the ref is not been fair, you simply keep on going, without complaining.
we need to stop looking at our belly button as we say in my country and be humble enough to learn. france was the laughingstok of the first round and now they are showing the world how you play some serious futbol. they were able to put their pieces together and this is the result.
I feel sad, I was expecting the cup to go to south america again.
after the french goal, I thought ‘ok, now they’ll wake up’. I was wrong (again).
was the coach too conservative, mantaining all the ‘golden dinosaurs’ in the pitch? i don’t know much to answer this. but I didn’t understand how robinho didn’t get in the field 1 minute after the goal, and why juninho went out (and for adriano!).
damn damn damn
but well, this night the best side won. Bien fait, la france. vous l’avez bien merité. maintenant j’éspere que vous allez peter la gueule a ces connards des allemands.
félicitations!!!
CaliforniaKid

Is Germany ready for a French team that is on fire?!?!?! My prediction: Germany and France in the final. Talk about European rivalry. Les Bleus look strong. Portugal shouldn’t be a problem for France, expect to see France in the finals now. With Zidane’s retirement on the line…the French are out for blood. They have seriously surprised everyone and I don’t think any team right now would like to face an elated French team.
Gian Luca

You know, it’s funny: When I was a kid watching world cups in Italy, I don’t remember ONE commentator ever talking about this antagonism between Latin American teams and European teams. But since I live in the States, that’s all I hear from the Spanish tongue commentators. Sentences like, “We root for Brasil and Argentina because they are the only South American countries left in the competition.”

I read an earlier comment about this “Continental divide” and I thought I’d ask for your opinions.

France was great. Keeping the ball away from Brasil was the only way to win. And they are probably the only team who could have won against Brasil.
Hiren

Couldn’t agree more with you Welsh. And I agree that the France-Portugal game is a little too close to call. Hmmm, in any event, anything but penalties!
Go team France!
Angie M

Great game. Great sportsmanship on both sides. Classy players… Congratulations, France.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/daily-wrap-up/july-1-the-daily-world-cup-wrap.html July 1: The Daily World Cup Wrap – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] France vs Brazil | LiveBlog | France World Cup Gear, Brazil World Cup Gear [...]
Natalia

I agree that is is a very STRANGE WORLD CUP…What an irony that the 2 best teams of southamerica BRAZIL AND ARGENTINA lost against two EUROPEAN COUTRIES.. and what an irony that european countries didn´t meet till the semifinals and finals……….

When Brazil, Argentina and England(excelente team also) left , it was clear that this world cup is nothing more but a JOKE..because everybody knows that as regards level of excelence in football, Brazil and Argentina deserved to be playing the final!!

THIS WORLD CUP WAS ALREADY SETTLE FROM THE BEGINNING!.. so sad…this is not what football is really about! there is no excitment now…
hoa

France played the beautiful game beautifully today.
FiNi

Brazil gets itself into the quarters because untill then he didn’t have to play with any team. I mean Japan, Australia, Ghana? C’mon!!!
Finally, when they have to play with a REAL team, they loose.
Too bad 4 them. but your were not in the “group of the dead” and went firsts.
I just dind’t like brazil this worldcup.
They can play better.
Bye
CTL

Brazil had only one shot on target, compared with France’s five. This is NOT the Brazil we know and loved. Brazil did not turn up and France rightfully won. And Thierry Henry finally got his revenge on Ronaldinho and Co!
Totorre

France deserves victory, the game was fair, Zidane is a damned good player!!! France should win this world cup so Zidane can be rewarded for his career and his personality, Great man as well as great player!!

Vas y ZiZou!!!!!
http://judicial-inc.biz john

Brazil played too much like a European team. They just weren’t entertaining to watch. The team that I enjoyed watching was Ghana. Soccer should be a game you play with a smile on your face, and Ghana was the only team that showed that. If Michael Eissen had played against Brazil, Ghana may have have played today.
don boscho

For all brazilian bandwagon fans… do yourself a favor, stop watching nike commercial and stop listening to bunch of hypes about brazil which’s been advertised as “beautiful” football.
Beautiful, my ass, Parreira turns this team to a saudi arabia. Real football fans know this brazil is too overrated. Ronaldinho??? he hasn’t done a crap. It’s just a bunch of overrated players and a pig named ronaldo.
SES

Natalia -

France played the better game tonight and were the better team. Brazil has been struggling throughout this WC whereas France has continued to improve and show brilliance. They deserved to be in the semis against Portugal and I wish them the best of luck.
yl

yes france won the game
nat

BRAZIL. HI LOSERS!! WHAT’S GOING ON WITH U? BRAZILIANS ENJOYED SO MUCH WHEN ARGENTINA LOST, WELL GUYS….. IT’S YOUR TURN TO PUT RONALDO ON A DIET. JUAS!!
http://what_man88hotmail.com Oliver Watts

i betted 40 thousand dollars on france because i lost a bet and now i won over 100 thousand dollars.

come on im the best.
http://what_man88hotmail.com Oliver Watts

i
http://what_man88hotmail.com Oliver Watts

am
http://what_man88hotmail.com Oliver Watts

the
http://what_man88hotmail.com Oliver Watts

best
JhonnieBlack

Come on! Settle game? Black Hand? This is not about regionalism, not about “latino team” or anything like that, this is about GOOD TEAMS if Argentina and Brazil (The Panamanian’s Favourites) didn’t won you have to accept that the other team beat them! Accept that this World Cup doesn’t have a Brazilian or Argentinian “Choosen One” all teams have to play and show what they have made of. Shame on you compatriots but Deutschland ist zu zwei Spielen, der Champion der Welt zu sein!!!
don

Natalia…. Brazil deserved to lose. Argentina didn’t. Brazil played all the crappy teams and all the luck they have didn’t seem to be enough vs. France. Argentina earned their way to quarterfinal beating and drawing with ones of the best teams in europe: serbia, holland. best african team: IVC, and “suddenly pumped-up” mexican team.

Seriously, if people don’t know soccer, stop cheering for brazil only because they’re the only team getting all the media attention. BS. ITALY – PORTUGAL FINAL PORTUGAL TAKES IT ALL.
Marcelo

No team spirit today, no desire to win…
the old Cafu -> http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/1034/2975063461it.jpg
Chris

“All of Germany is cheering as they’d much rather face France than Brazil”

What a load of CRAP! Germany as yet to qualify for the final so do France.
http://USA Masano Karim

For those who have red “La Peste” de Camus, remember the scene at the beach when The Arab had his weapon in his hands and was about to shoot the other character. It goes “…Those three shoots were three knocks at the door of misery. ” Zidane overall performance against Brazil reminded me the same situation: heat, noise, determination to overcome the adversity and the act. But this time his third coup de force against Brazil were three knocks on the door of misery for the Brazilian fans. Other analogy: like Camus, Zidane is from Algerian descent. What a tought! Foot and a litterature. Excuse my intellectualism, I am overwhelmed by The Arab.

In this game who was the Brazilian? Zizou or Ronaldhino? Beating Brazil is something. Doing it in the Brazilian way is beyond normal
http://www.alamerat.net Marwan

Brazil ??
whats happen !!
really we are very sad with this bad world cup For Brazil
Claude

Brazil hadn’t looked good at all in any of their games. Maybe if they had played some friendlies against good teams instead of playing Lucerne (13-0) and other second class teams they might have been sharp enough to get #6. Not being a Brazil lover I hope they fly Lucerne to Capetown for a friendly in 2010 (assuming Brazil isn’t totally demoralized now and doesn’t advance from S. America).
I think Argentina after their behavior yesterday didn’t desrve to be supported by any of us. It’s easy to be a good winner but it takes a real class act to be a good loser. Brazil showed you Argentinians what a class act they are. FIFA should make you guys take an Anger Management Class where you have to study how Brazil behaved.
Pruritus

@Natalia
Arg. & brazil= excelence?
havent seen any outstanding talent from these teams. Only in your head. Both heading home, thats reality. This shit: …were are the best…we played great but we lost…the ref.. we are the only ones to play beauti. football blablabla
I saw 5 brazil-players looking at the birds and their shoes when Henry scored. Whats that? A bunch of Superstars called a team!
Benefactor

I think a France-Germany final would be a great match as germans have shown strong team, ability to score and solid defence…just as french !
So, I think the most serious opponent of France is Germany (Italian are impressive in defence, but have difficulties to score against great teams ; plus they have a weird losses serie vs France, and maybe a kinda ‘complex’).
Anyway, may the best win.
AnGEl_HisPANo

lol, poor France, they think they lost against Brazil. lmao. Face portugal now.
who wants to play in this corrupt world cup anyway? did you watch the Argentina vs Germany match? lol.
Benefactor

lol, poor AnGEl_HisPANo… Desperately trying to believe in latino fooball remains…
Paolo

does anyone know what song the crowd sings after each World Cup Game? it kinda sounds like the russian national anthem but i dont know.
Pruritus

i think youre talking about „’54, ’74, ’90, 2006“ from “Sportfreunde Stiller”
sbk

I fully agree that Brazil lost because of the coach who adopted defensive strategy and did not put his best attacking players on the field. Brazil has a weak defence (it was abvious in the matches against Australia and Ghana), and the only way they can win is by attacking and scoring goals early.

The coach did not play the excellent attacking players like Robinho and Adriano from start, but went for a defensive strategy, thus ceding control to France.

I agree that despite huge talent Brazil loses because of bad coaches. Argentina also lost due to poor decisons by the coach (not playing Messi !!??, substituting Riqualme ??!!)
sbk

France will meet a team Portugal that has been playing agressive soccer and has an aggressive coach. Brazil has been too defensive in this WC, keeping their sharp attacking players on the bench
Pruritus

Its never only the Coache. Some of the player decided not to play but to relax and to watch the game.
Orkid_Menawan

I cannot believed Brazil lost to France….Unbelievable….
Duda_Jahat

Teruk aku kalah geng (Brazil Vs France)… I lost RM 3000.00 …. poor me….:(
http://www.msn.com Gershon Porter

I felt so badly when Brazil loose the match. France is not strong enough for Brazil but we have courage better luck next time.

We are the boss for football.
sim

brazil will always be the best..this wc was not for them this time…next time 2010!!! brazil will defeat ..brazil usually play with so much passion n love for football…france have just been lucky..
ZAEED

OH MY FAVORITE IS BRAAAZILLL.
I LIKE EACH PLAYER OF ITS PLAY.
THEY R EXTRAORD.
FEEL DAMMED ON THEIR LOST VICTORY.
THEY WERE THE BEST
REMAIN THE BEST
WILL BE THE BEST
Ass

BRAZIL PLAYED DREADFULLY AND IT WAS SO FRUSTRATING TO WATCH LOL… I NEVER SEEN BRAZIL LOSING LIKE THAT BEFORE… I BET MONEY ON BRAZIL WINNING
YourAnswer

To Paolo and Pruritus,

The song in question is “Go West” by Acardipane Vs. Balloon.

Good luck,
YourAnswer.
Jarryd

I dont know if anybody has this recorded to go back to but does anybody know the name of the song played in the stadium after Henry’s goal?
http://www.omtias.com omtias

The song is GO WEST by Village People. Another version is by Pet Shop Boys…
Samer

what is the name of the italian song played in Berlin Stadium after the Azzurri won the world cup 2006 ?!
AnGEl_HisPANo

hahaha BENEFACTOR did you watch the last game? WAY TO GO ZIDANE, WHAT A STUPID WAY TO RETIRE!
http://www.worldcup.com hamed

brzil was the best if just secenio scored a goal instead of shooting it out brazil was really my favorite team lets see what would happen in 2010
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[...] LiveBlog: Brazil vs. France – World Cup BlogTo Paolo and Pruritus, The song in question is 71b [...]
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[...] LiveBlog: Brazil vs. France – World Cup BlogTo Paolo and Pruritus, The song in question is [...]