This French team ran fast, tackled hard, used the flanks well and created all sorts of problems to Brazil. It's a joy to watch the breath taking football from the likes of Thurram, Claude Makelele, William Gallas, Malouda, Abidal, Vieira, Sagnol and Zidane. Thierry Henry and Ribery were visible with their quick runs. Fabien Barthez made some great saves.
Brazil had their moments of ascendancy but the collective and tested leadership skills and international experience of Zidane, Patrick Vieira, Makelele, Thierry Henry and Thurram appeared to be the major difference between these two supremely gifted sides in this competition.
This World Cup has been full of surprises. Senior players are playing smart football. On court they are running as fast as their younger counterparts. They have looked more purposeful and decisive. Those written off by pundits are turning into heroes and top scorers of all time. They are re-defining their status as fresh role models. We salute them and wish them well for the joy they gave us when put on the World Cup stage.
Our best wishes to the Brazilian team as they get back to their feet to challenge the very best in the next World Cup.
