France beat Brazil to reach the semi-final

Written by , 05.07 00h15

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Brazil's 2006 world cup is over after a 1-0 defeat to the 1998 champions France.
It was Thierry Henry's volley that seperated the two teams.

Zinedine Zidane shone for France as Brazil struggled to maintain possion and it was Zizou who swept a free-kick to the far post for Henry to thrash into the back of the net (57 min).

A tense first half ended goaless as France held the majority of possesion and best chances to score.

In the second half Parreira brought on Adriano, Cicinho and Robinho to try to break the French defence but apart from Fabien Barthez dening Ronaldo late on, Brazil struggled to make a break through.

Parreira's men failed to perform to their ability and exit at such an early stage will surely be the end of Parreira's reign at Brazil.

Parreira appeared to confirm his resignation when he told the press "I would like to thank the players. I didn't do my job because my job here was to get to the final," he said after the game.

"In Brazil when the national team loses the coach is to blame so I believe we will follow this script once again."

"We never prepared for this moment. This is a very difficult moment for all of us," he added.

Brazil: Dida, Cafu (Cicinho 76), Lucio, Juan, Carlos, Juninho (Adriano 63), Silva, Ze Roberto, Kaka (Robinho 79), Ronaldinho, Ronaldo.
Subs Not Used: Cris, Emerson, Fred, Gilberto, Julio Cesar, Luisao, Mineiro, Ricardinho, Rogerio.

Booked: Cafu, Juan, Ronaldo, Lucio.

France: Barthez, Sagnol, Thuram, Gallas, Abidal, Ribery (Govou 76), Makelele, Vieira, Zidane, Malouda (Wiltord 81), Henry (Saha 85).
Subs Not Used: Boumsong, Chimbonda, Coupet, Dhorasoo, Diarra, Givet, Landreau, Silvestre, Trezeguet.

Booked: Sagnol, Saha, Thuram.

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