World Cup Quarter Finals - France Brushes Aside World Champions (Brazil 0 - France 1)

Wow, this was a surprise scoreline. And a pleasent one might I add. France showed glimpses of the French team of 98. Yes, during certain periods in the game, they reminded me of that great French team.

France seems to have shaken off their lacklustre performances in the first couple of games in this tournament and looks like gaining momentum as the games come in. From their last game against the Spanish and this one, they are probably peaking at the right time.

I'm personally glad Brazil is out of this World Cup. They, like England, have been overhyped. None of their performances impressed me. Sure they score goals but seem to lack that flair we're so used to samba soccer.

Today, especially, Brazil looked nervous and quite frankly, they were poor. The French with the speedy Ribery on the wings and Henry manning the attack, always looked likely to score. And rightfully they did when Henry volleyed in a Zidane freekick in the 56th minute.

The French could have had more as Brazil pushed forward to bring the game to extra time, but Dida did his job. On the other side of the pitch, the French defence was disciplined and hardly allowed the Brazilians a sniff of goal. Brazil, on their part, were disappointing. They relied on taking their opponents instead of passing the ball.

The French in the end were worthy winners. I'd be looking forward to another vintage French performance in the semis.