The 2006 World Cup in Germany
A booksmusicfilmstv.com surreal take on the footie fest in Germany
Back to World Cup 2006 Index

Zinedine Zidane kept his glorious career going, as France ended Spain's 24 game unbeaten run, and reached the World Cup quarter finals for a game against Brazil - a repeat of the 1998 World Cup final. Spain go out, again flattering to deceive.

Spain produced the first real threat on goal, when a curling free kick from Mariano Pernia just went over. Then a great low cross from Thierry Henry flashed across the Spanish goal, avoiding a crucial touch. But Spain were gifted a great opportunity to take the lead, when a clumsy challenge by Lilian Thuram on Pablo gave Spain a penalty. David Villa then thumped the spot kick to Fabien Barthez's right, with the ball going in off a post. Spain were looking well in control of the game, until Frank Ribery ran on to a skilful Patrick Vieira pass, and rounded Spanish 'keeper Iker Casillas to equalise.

France came close early in the second half, when a Florent Malouda shot forced a full length save from Casillas. Ribery then played a dangerous ball across the penalty area, which Spain just cleared. The Spanish were looking subdued, though substitute Joaquin did fire into the side netting after some good work. Though France were just shading the game, both sides were struggling to create real openings, and the match was looking destined for extra time, until a foul by Carlos Puyol on Henry gave the French a free kick. The Arsenal man clutched his face, when he had been barged in the chest. The resulting Zidane free kick then flicked off Xabi Alonso's head for Vieira to head in, via a deflection off Sergio Ramos. In the final moments, with Spain pressing for an equaliser, France broke away, after Zidane had won the ball, and sub Sylvain Wiltord then played Zidane in, who kept his composure, cut inside Puyol, before coolly slotting home, with his rubbery feet sending Casillas the wrong way. A great night for the French, and maybe there's more from those ageing legs than a lot of people thought - me included.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.