The second semifinal of the World Cup features a resilient Portugal squad against a surprising French team that has overcome a slow start and ferocious competition to advance this far.
After winning their group, Portugal immediately ran into stern competition in the form of the Netherlands. The Dutch made life difficult for Portugal, but the hotly-contested match ended with 20 cards, including a World Cup record four red ones, but eventually with the Portuguese on the winning side, 1-0.
They moved on without their suspended star midfielder Deco and faced mighty England, who they dispatched with in another tight contest that also had its share of controversy.
They might be cunning. They might be deemed less than savory. The majority of soccer fans view Portugal in a more cynical light — cheats. Even Valentin Ivanov admitted after refereeing the Portugal/Netherlands debacle "You would expect some dirty tricks from the Portuguese. They are known for time-wasting or hitting from behind."
All that said, Portugal still has to be given credit for their survival until now. They have conceded a solitary goal to Mexico in what was more or less a meaningless group game, and battled their way through two of Europe's most established powers.
If Portugal though can be hailed for their difficult road to the semis, France should be given a medal of valor. They barely survived their group before running into tournament darlings Spain, who they dispatched in a brilliant display of high-level football.
Up next were tournament favorites Brazil. Again, France put on a clinic, displaying their competence with the utmost of professionalism. Les Bleus dominated the possession. They dominated scoring opportunities. They dominated the much-ballyhooed Brazilian attack. France just plain dominated Brazil, and quite justifiably emerged with a 1-0 victory.
Much of the recent French success can be attributed to the re-emergence of Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman who has looked ordinary for the last year and a half at Real Madrid has suddenly rekindled his magic of years ago. And much of that credit goes to the rest of France's hard-working midfield.
Frank Ribery and Patrick Vieira have been exceptional, while Claude Makelele has been at his workmanlike best. The three have given Zidane the space and time necessary to demonstrate that he can still be included with the world's best.
I doubt Portugal will allow Zidane to enjoy the freedom he has been experiencing in the middle of the field. Phil Scolari hasn't won 12 consecutive World Cup games without knowing what he's doing. And with Deco back, Portugal should be more lethal than ever.
France though has gone through too many obstacles, overcome too many barriers to let Portugal get in their way. It will be another strong defensive performance by France and Thierry Henry will solve the defensive Portuguese riddle and their fans will be singing Allez Les Bleus to the final.
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