Les Blues all the way

The 2nd semi final was not as absorbing as the first, but with the limited opportunity that France had, they scored one. Henry going down on a genuine but minor challenge and Zizou converting the penalty.

The French defence look as solid as the Italians and I think Thuram at this age is playing his heart out. He was extraordinary. Portugal was running down the flanks and Ronaldo for all the dribbling talent and speed he has has been showing his dark side with some dives and unwanted appeals for fouls. He doesnt need that atleast at this point of time when his popularity is at such a low. The problem with Portuguese football is that this might have been their best ever shot at the WC. The old war horse Figo, brilliant Deco and Fast and Furious Ronaldo might never play together again and there are no new talents coming out of that country other than Ronaldo.

I was watching with David who was going gaga over how the last time France won the Euro, they played Portugal in the semis and they won by a solitary goal, scored by Zizou with a penalty!!! And they went on to play Italy in the finals...well the story sounds very familiar. David was telling me that how the whole team was represented by black players and the French public watching the match in the stadium were all white, as only they could afford the tickets. What a contradiction of sorts.

Finishing off with a line from the commentator when he was analysing the team line ups..."In the French team you have Ribery and Malouda providing the width...and Zidane in the middle...well he will be providing the genius!!!"