Jun 27, 2006, 21:34 GMT
Hanover - France came from behind to beat Spain 3-1 in Hanover on Tuesday and book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
David Villa had put Spain ahead from the penalty spot on 28 minutes, but Franck Ribery rounded Iker Casillas to equalise four minutes before half-time.
Patrick Vieira headed France in front seven minutes from time before Zinedine Zidane sealed victory with the third in the second minute of injury time.
France, the 1998 champions, will play holders Brazil in the quarter-finals in Frankfurt on Saturday.
'We wanted to do great things tonight to prove there's more to us than we showed in the group stages,' Zidane said.
'I believe we did just that. We'll be preparing for the quarter- final just as carefully as we did for this match.'
The scoreline was harsh on Spain, who had dominated the first half and had deservedly taken the lead on 27 minutes.
France had Zidane back from suspension but Spain were the better side and were rewarded for their slick passing when Lilian Thuram got too close to Pablo and referee Roberto Rosetti awarded the penalty.
Villa kept his cool to fire the ball into his bottom left corner and put Spain ahead.
With the recalled Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso outshining Zidane and Vieira in midfield, Spain were in control but a lovely piece of play between Vieira and Ribery brought about the equaliser four minutes before the break.
A one-two on the edge of the box set Ribery free and the Marseille player rounded Casillas to roll the ball into the empty net.
France came out fired up after half-time and a great ball from Zidane set up Florent Malouda who tried to lob Casillas but the goalkeeper leapt well to save.
Spain brought on Joaquin for Villa and Luis Garcia for Raul, who was ineffective on his return to the starting line-up but it didn't change anything as France continued to dominate.
Ribery fired a dangerous ball into the box on the hour mark that no one could get on the end of, while at the other end, Sagnol made a great clearance as Fernando Torres looked favourite to score.
Joaquin fired a left-foot shot just wide but after Thierry Henry was fouled by Puyol on 83 minutes, a free-kick from Zidane was flicked on by Alonso and Vieira arrived unmarked at the far post to head in off Ramos's leg.
And as Spain chased the equaliser, they left room at the back and Zidane took full advantage to slip the ball under Casillas for France's third.
It was Spain's first defeat in Luis Aragones's 26-match tenure in charge.
'We didn't deserve the last goal but that is football and we are going home,' said a bitterly disappointed Iker Casillas. 'Maybe we relaxed after we scored.'
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