Round of 16
France 3, Spain 1An explosive Zinedine Zidane showed that France's old guard can still come from behind and pull it off, giving Spain's youngsters a slap in the face and a ticket home from the World Cup.
Zidane, who turned 34 last week, combined with old-guard partner Patrick Vieira to oust the fancied Spaniards 3-1 with two late goals that sent France into a quarter-final dream clash with Brazil -- a rematch of the 1998 final won by a Zidane-led France.
"Many people didn't believe the French team could do it," defender William Gallas said after Tuesday's second-round game.
Zidane, who came out of international retirement for France as they careened toward disaster in World Cup qualifying, fired the free kick that set up Vieira's go-ahead goal seven minutes from time. Then he slotted home the third himself.
The son of Algerian immigrants, who grew up playing soccer in the gritty streets of Marseilles, showed why he is one of the game's all-time greats, but he remained modest after making his point.
"There is really this collective will that has grown, that we want to progress in the tournament," the French captain said. "It's good. The most important thing is that we won the game."
Zidane, restored to the line-up after a suspension for two yellow cards, is also helping the French erase memories of their disappointing first-round exit four years ago.
"We might be a bunch of veterans but it seems to me they all know how to win a football match," French coach Raymond Domenech said.
Gifted Spain failed to score from open play and were left cursing themselves for not building on a 28th-minute penalty by David Villa, awarded after France 98 veteran Lilian Thuram got too close to Pablo and referee Roberto Rosetti pointed to the spot.
Cesc Fabregas, the 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder tipped for a great future with Spain, was frustrated to have been beaten by Zidane -- who is 15 years older, showed little magic until the final minutes and was booed by Spanish fans.
"These players don't play well and in one second they score the goal and they are the best," Cesc complained.
On the 22nd anniversary of France's European Championship final win over Spain, the Iberians began well and dominated the first half with slick passing.
The French equalized when -- unlike Thierry Henry -- speedy striker Franck Ribery, 22, beat the offside trap and rounded Spain 'keeper Iker Casillas to equalize four minutes before half-time.
The French increasingly found their game in the second half while Spain stuttered, foiled by a well-organized French defense.
Vieira headed France in front seven minutes from time, nailing a header at the far post on a Zidane free kick, before "Zizou" sealed victory with the third in the second minute of injury time.
RSS