France led by Zinedine Zidane coasted to their second World Cup Final in eight years with a 1-0 victory over a lackluster Portugal team in Munich.
The captain himself scored the winning goal after Arsenal star Thierry Henry was felled in the box by Ricardo Carvalho. Making no mistake with the penalty Zidane beat Ricardo to his right as France celebrated a great victory following the disaster that was the defense of their title in 2002.
France who conquered holders Brazil in the last round started with an unchanged side, hoping to be inspired by Zidane once more they felt it necessary to only play with one striker.
Similarly Portugal began with one up front but made two changes from their dramatic victory over England on penalties. Deco and Costinha who were suspended against the three lions returned to the side captained by Figo who looked to make their first ever World Cup Final after making their first semi since 1966.
Looking to follow on from the example of Italy and Germany last night Malouda had a chance in the first minute but fired his shot wide after turning Carvalho inside out.
The game significantly slowed from the early pace as a chess match unfolded in midfield with Zidane and Figo eager to give each other respect but not enough space to take an influencing grasp on the game. Led by Scolari, Portugal attempted to physically match up to France with Vieira preventing Deco from creating anything.
Both Portugal players were able to shirk their markers for moments in the first half as they both fired shots at Barthez who on both occasions gathered comfortably.
Domenech’s side however were able to create an opening for Thierry Henry who knocked the ball through Carvalho’s legs before being dragged down by the Chelsea defender. Though he complained, the penalty awarded was justified as Zidane coolly slotted home the spot kick.
Looking to settle what they thought was an unjust score line two of Portugal’s players went down unchallenged in the penalty area looking to win spot kicks for their side. The referee rightly on both occasions warned the players and refused to give into their demands.
Portugal looked tired before the first half was even done, clearly their battle with England had taken a lot out of them as Zidane and Vieira began to run things in midfield, Malouda and Ribery running things on the wings.
The second half promised much but delivered little as Portugal’s play acting began to disturb the watching crowd. Booed on his every touch Ronaldo twice failed to win free kicks and was lucky not to be booked.
The quality of the game also dropped as Pauleta was the only player to force a save of not from either keeper.
Ribery tested Ricardo on a breakaway for France but all was too easy for the Portuguese stopper.
The best chance however came from bizarre makings. Ronaldo hit a free kick from 40 yards which undoubtedly dipped on its way to goal; the unconventional Fabian Barthez however let the ball slip out of his grasp to an onrushing Figo who headed weakly over the bar.
One last opportunity fell to Portugal as time ebbed away but Meira’s shot was typical of a central defender and despite some wacky antics from Fabien Barthez in the latter seconds of the game France ensured their place in the World Cup final against Italy on Sunday.
The captain himself scored the winning goal after Arsenal star Thierry Henry was felled in the box by Ricardo Carvalho. Making no mistake with the penalty Zidane beat Ricardo to his right as France celebrated a great victory following the disaster that was the defense of their title in 2002.
France who conquered holders Brazil in the last round started with an unchanged side, hoping to be inspired by Zidane once more they felt it necessary to only play with one striker.
Similarly Portugal began with one up front but made two changes from their dramatic victory over England on penalties. Deco and Costinha who were suspended against the three lions returned to the side captained by Figo who looked to make their first ever World Cup Final after making their first semi since 1966.
Looking to follow on from the example of Italy and Germany last night Malouda had a chance in the first minute but fired his shot wide after turning Carvalho inside out.
The game significantly slowed from the early pace as a chess match unfolded in midfield with Zidane and Figo eager to give each other respect but not enough space to take an influencing grasp on the game. Led by Scolari, Portugal attempted to physically match up to France with Vieira preventing Deco from creating anything.
Both Portugal players were able to shirk their markers for moments in the first half as they both fired shots at Barthez who on both occasions gathered comfortably.
Domenech’s side however were able to create an opening for Thierry Henry who knocked the ball through Carvalho’s legs before being dragged down by the Chelsea defender. Though he complained, the penalty awarded was justified as Zidane coolly slotted home the spot kick.
Looking to settle what they thought was an unjust score line two of Portugal’s players went down unchallenged in the penalty area looking to win spot kicks for their side. The referee rightly on both occasions warned the players and refused to give into their demands.
Portugal looked tired before the first half was even done, clearly their battle with England had taken a lot out of them as Zidane and Vieira began to run things in midfield, Malouda and Ribery running things on the wings.
The second half promised much but delivered little as Portugal’s play acting began to disturb the watching crowd. Booed on his every touch Ronaldo twice failed to win free kicks and was lucky not to be booked.
The quality of the game also dropped as Pauleta was the only player to force a save of not from either keeper.
Ribery tested Ricardo on a breakaway for France but all was too easy for the Portuguese stopper.
The best chance however came from bizarre makings. Ronaldo hit a free kick from 40 yards which undoubtedly dipped on its way to goal; the unconventional Fabian Barthez however let the ball slip out of his grasp to an onrushing Figo who headed weakly over the bar.
One last opportunity fell to Portugal as time ebbed away but Meira’s shot was typical of a central defender and despite some wacky antics from Fabien Barthez in the latter seconds of the game France ensured their place in the World Cup final against Italy on Sunday.