History and Zidane on France’s side

By Patrick Vignal

MUNICH (Reuters) – History and a revitalized Zinedine
Zidane suggest France will have the upper hand in Wednesday’s
World Cup semi-final against Portugal.

The 1998 world champions have fond memories of semi-final
clashes with the Portuguese, having met them twice at that
stage in European Championships — in 1984 and 2000.

Les Bleus won both matches after close battles and, each
time, went on to win the title.

Michel Platini, who scored a fantastic extra time winner in
a 3-2 victory at Euro’84, is no longer at the helm but France
can still rely on Zidane, whose controversial golden-goal
penalty gave them a dramatic 2-1 win in 2000.

The 34-year-old Zidane, who will retire after the finals,
seems to have recaptured his brilliant best and was magnificent
in France’s 1-0 win over holders Brazil in the quarter-finals.

“There’s nobody who treats the ball like he does,” Portugal
defender Miguel said of the France captain. “I hope he keeps a
low profile.”

The Euro 2000 semi-final ended in chaos and defender Abel
Xavier was banned for nine months, reduced to six, as
Portugal’s players went crazy after the penalty was given for
handball.

“The rivalry is enormous,” Portugal striker Helder Postiga
said before the next meeting between the two rivals in Munich.

“The 2000 game has stuck in our throats a bit. The way we
lost was frustrating. We started well and thought we would win.
I hope the story is different this time.”

TOP FORM

France, who have hit top form after a sluggish start to the
tournament, have not got carried away after defeating Brazil.

“I think it will be tougher against Portugal,” said
midfielder Franck Ribery. “They have talented individuals like
Brazil and they are better organized as a team.”

“We can see the summit but we’re not up there yet,” added
coach Raymond Domenech.

Portugal, who have not beaten France since 1975, reached
the last four by knocking out England on penalties on Saturday
following a goalless draw.

The beaten finalists in the 2004 European Championship
which they hosted feature in the semi-finals of a World Cup for
the first time since 1966, their best previous performance.

Miguel said the return of midfielder Deco, who was
suspended for the England game, was a great boost.

“Deco’s our magician,” he said. “He’s the player who can
see a pass that others don’t see.”

Probable teams:

Portugal (4-5-1):

1-Ricardo; 13-Miguel, 16-Ricardo Carvalho, 5-Fernando
Meira, 14-Nuno Valente; 6-Costinha, 18-Maniche, 20-Deco, 7-Luis
Figo, 17-Cristiano Ronaldo; 9-Pauleta.

Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari

France (4-2-3-1):

16-Fabien Barthez; 19-Willy Sagnol, 15-Lilian Thuram,
5-William Gallas, 3-Eric Abidal; 4-Patrick Vieira, 6-Claude
Makelele; 22-Franck Ribery, 10-Zinedine Zidane, 7-Florent
Malouda; 12-Thierry Henry.

Coach: Raymond Domenech

Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)

Linesmen: Walter Rial (Uruguay), Pablo Fandino (Uruguay)

(Additional reporting by Brian Homewood)