French Comeback Stuns Spain
Spain were sent crashing out of the World Cup after being a goal up, losing 3-1 to a resurgent France who scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to set up a meeting with Brazil who had previously brushed aside Ghana 3-0.
Spain went ahead through David Villa’s superbly struck penalty after Lilian Thuram rashly fouled Ibanez Pablo.
France soon equalised when Frank Ribery rounded Iker Casillas after he was found by Patrick Vieira’s clever pass.
With seven minutes to go Vieira powered in a header and with Spain pushing forward Zinedine Zidane broke clear for a solo effort in stoppage time.
Zidane, who struggled in France’s first two group games, looks to have finally found his rhythm, prompting and cajoling his teammates to victory just as he did during their successful 1998 campaign.
Zidane said: “It was a celebration, the Spanish made it difficult but the adventure continues.”
“We wanted to accomplish something and show the people we had the qualities even if in our group it was difficult.”
Coach Raymond Domenech added: “It was a remarkable match in every way.”
He continued: “It was very tough for the players. We may have a team of old men but we know how to be patient.”
“Younger people run out of breath. There’s something exceptional waiting for us, unique emotions.”
“As for Zidane, he kept going for the whole match. In the 89th minute, he stuck to it - he still accelerated.”
But Spanish coach Luis Aragones was unhappy over the free kick awarded to France which led to the second goal.
Referee Roberto Rosetti blew for a foul when Thierry Henry went down clutching his face after a tackle by Spain defender Carles Puyol.
Aragones said: “Their second goal came from a free kick that wasn’t a foul and we were punished by a refereeing error.”
“When players give everything you can’t ask any more. They’re still young and have another chance in the future.”
Aragones added: “Football is unjust sometimes, but not always. France were very tough opponents.”
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas was unable to contain his frustration at Spain’s exit.
“We were so close. It was undeserved, an undeserved defeat,” said Casillas.
“But that’s football, we’re heading home and there’s nothing we can do about it.”