World Cup 2006 News

France's old guard see them into the quarter-finals (Roundup)

Jun 28, 2006, 6:24 GMT

French player Zinedine Zidane jumps over Xabi Alonso from Spain during the 2nd round match of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Spain and France in Hanover, on Tuesday, 27 June 2006. France won 3-1. EPA/MAURIZIO GAMBARINI

Hanover - France's old guard of Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira showed there is life in the old dogs yet as they came from behind to beat Spain 3-1 in Hanover on Tuesday to reach the quarter- finals of the World Cup.

On the 22nd anniversary of their European Championship final win over Spain, two late goals from Vieira and Zidane dashed Spain's dreams and set up a quarter-final clash with Brazil in what will be a repeat of the 1998 final, won by France.

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.

Vieira headed France in front seven minutes from time before Zidane sealed victory with the third in the second minute of injury time.

'We were courageous and intelligent and knew how to pace ourselves,' France coach Raymond Domenech said. 'The youngsters were out of breath before they were. We played fast and stopped them from playing.

'We might be a bunch of veterans but it seems to me they all know how to win a football match. Ribery was convincing today with his explosive form and Zidane showed he can still turn on the pace.'

'When it's Zizou who scores in the 92nd minute that's a fabulous scenario.'

Zidane, who had been restored to the line-up after suspension, said France had proved a point.

'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.

'We don't have any worries about Brazil. We have played them before and we have got a really good souvenir. The adventure continues.'

Spain were the better side in the first half and were rewarded for their slick passing when Lilian Thuram got too close to Pablo and referee Roberto Rosetti awarded the penalty on 28 minutes.

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 Casillas. 'Maybe we relaxed after we scored.'

Match statistics

Spain: Iker Casillas - Sergio Ramos, Pablo Ibanez, Carles Puyol, Mariano Parnia - Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi (72. Marcos Senna) - Raul (54. Luis Garcia), David Villa (54. Joaquin), Fernando Torres

France: Fabien Barthez - Willy Sagnol, Lilian Thuram, William Gallas, Eric Abidal - Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele - Franck Ribery, Zinedine Zidane, Florent Malouda (74. Sydney Govou) - Thierry Henry (88. Sylvain Wiltord)

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

Goals: Villa (28, pen), Ribery (41), Vieira (83), Zidane (90+2)

Attendance: 43,000

Yellow cards: Puyol/Vieira, Ribery, Zidane

Best players: Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso/Viera, Ribery, Zidane