12 July 1998

FRANCE				3-0			BRAZIL
Zidane 26, 45
Petit 92 

Zidane headed in Petit’s corner to give France the lead, comical defending by
Roberto Carlos (and not for the first time in this tournament) led to the corner.
Another corner, this time from the left by Djorkaeff was again headed in by
Zidane. A counter-attack wrapped up an emphatic win, Dugarry broke with the
ball from a Brazil corner, passed to Viera he laid the ball off for his Arsenal
team-mate Petit to sweep in France’s 3rd.

Lots of confusion prior to the match surrounding Ronaldo’s fitness and clearly
judging on his performance he wasn’t fit. The scoreline flatters Brazil, their
defending was Sunday league standard, even Baiano, who has been one of the
best central defenders in this tournament got caught cold on a number of occasions
from long balls over the top. Ronaldo and Bebeto may as well not have played,
Dunga showed his age. Guivarc’h missed a hat-trick of chances, Dugarry also blew
an easy chance when one on one with Taffarel. Zidane had an excellent match.
Desailly earned his second yellow card after a clumsy challenge but on both
occasions the Brazilians made the most of the contact. Lizarazu had an awful
game. Petit was outstanding. Some excellent approach play from France let down
by poor finishing, despite the scoreline. Needless to say, Brazil were simply awful.

The first new nation to win the World Cup since Argentina in 1978. I think Desailly,
Deschamps and Barthez become the first players since Beckenbauer, Muller and
company back in 1974 to win International and Club football’s biggest prizes, the
World Cup and European Cup respectively.

Attendance : 75,000
Red Card(s) : Desailly 67 (France)
Ref Rating : Excellent