footballspectator

So Nostradamus’ prophecy was wrong. Spain (as usual) flattered to deceive. Their early promise now seems to have more to do with the weakness of the opposition rather than their own quality. France were the first quality team they had had to face and unfortunately for the Spaniards, the former champions played their best match of their campaign to continue their tradition of never having lost to Spain in a competitive match. In a tight first half, Spain took the lead through Villa’s penalty converted after a silly foul by Thuram on Pablo Ibanez.

Spain deserved their lead but France looked dangerous on the break and they equalised shortly before half-time through the impressive Franck Ribery. In the second half France grew in confidence and began to play some of the best football they have played since Euro 2000. Raul must probably have regretted stating publicly that he hoped this would be ZZ’s last match - it only seemed to inspire the legend. ZZ delivered the cross from which Vieira made it 2-1 with 7 minutes to go and delivered the knockout blow in the 90th minute as Spain pressed forward for an equaliser.
France look confident and seem to have put their differences behind them. The Vieira - Ribery - Zidane - Henry axis is starting to work and in contrast to their next opponents Brazil they are improving with every match. What a match-up on Saturday night!