The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
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The world's greatest footballer of the last ten years, Zinedine Zidane, inspired France to another World Cup finals triumph over Brazil, and so knock the holders out. With Patrick Vieira once again immense, whoever wrote off the French must be an idiot...Oh, I did after they played Switzerland.

Zidane rolled back the years, and at 34 looked the best player in these World Cup finals. There were flashes of his brilliance throughout the game, including a mazy run in the first half, which set up the also rejuvenated Vieira to run in on goal, before covering defender Juan cynically brought him down. Real chances were thin on the ground in the first 45 minutes, but despite the lack of goalmouth incident it was an absorbing game.

France were looking the better side, and when, on 57 minutes, a Zidane free kick found Thierry Henry stealing in, unmarked at the back post, the Arsenal man volleyed crisply home. France nearly scored again, when magical play by Marseille's Frank Ribery saw his cross turned round by Juan, and just wide of his own post. France were playing with a swagger, and a breakaway saw Henry lay on a pass for the impressive Ribery, who was just foiled by Dida's save. A good chance fell to Brazilian substitute Robinho, but he snatched at his shot and it flew wide. Ronaldo saw an opening, as Brazil finally began to press, but he was also off target, dragging his shot wide. Lucio saw his flashing drive fly over, as Brazil began to really threaten, but when a Ronaldinho free kick just went over the French crossbar, it looked like it would be France's night. They nearly scored again on the break, when Zidane played in substitute Louis Saha, but his firm long range shot was well saved by Dida. Brazil were not going out of the competition without a fight, and a fierce Ronaldo shot from distance brought out a fine save from Fabien Barthez. Then Ze Roberto just failed to convert a cross from sub Cicinho. It was to be Brazil's final chance.

The French thoroughly deserved their win, and they know the secret of playing well against Brazil. They had knocked them out of the 1986 World Cup, and defeated them in the 1998 Paris final. So, France had no reason to be fearful of Brazil, like England appeared to be in the 2002 World Cup. The French are also Brazil's European cousins, playing football with a flair and freedom which most countries refuse to even attempt to play. Zidane himself would have walked into any of Brazil's great sides, and his beautiful deft touches make football an artform. It's a close call between him and Michel Platini as to who is France's greatest ever player. As for Brazil, their whole team underperformed. You can't win trophies on reputation, and France, who have been humbled themselves in recent years, may well win this one.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.