Vive la France!

France 1 - Brazil

Can you spell overrated? Can you chant it at the top of your lungs? Can you spell Zinedine Zidane while waving les tricolores and crying so hard it hurts to smile?

I CAN.

I can spell Zidane everywhich way and thank god for making such a noble man to lead the French into their first final four since 1998. For Team France, the second half of the 2006 World Cup is looking a world better than it's opening round robin. After having trouble with Switzerland, Korea and even Togo, Team France is finally getting in form for the pivotal, championship deciding matches.

Today's decider was set up by none other than monsieur Zizou. With a beautiful ball over the box, Zidane hit teammate Thierry Henry for a wide open goal. The goal flies in the face of criticism that Henry did not work well with Zidane and that Henry had trouble finishing.

Maybe, but NOT today.

After putting away the game-winner, France went into a defensive shell. Fabien Barthez, the famous and eccentric French keeper, orchestrated a rock solid defense that constantly foiled the Brazilian attack.

The Brazilians looked completely out of form. While the French alternated long balls with short, crisp passing, the Brazilians looked slow and unpracticed. Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Kaka were veritable shadows of themselves.

Brazilian Hubris Brazil's fall from glory is nothing short of the humbling experience it's soccer stars require. Brazil has almost become synonymous with the World Cup. For those who know nothing about Soccer, Brazil is the "only" team. For the Brazilians, the world is a field of weaker, less skilled teams to be looked down upon.

The Brazilians have been growing more and more overconfident since their win in Korea. They are the periennial favorites. They are the gatekeepers. But France has played the role of Brazilian foil before. You may remember the '98 final in Paris, France, were Les Bleus shocked the world with a 2-0 upset of the yellow & green.

Predictions

Next weeks games will pit Germany against Italy and France against Portugal.

I pick Germany over Italy for many reasons. First, the Germans are at home. That's huge. When you're playing for keeps at home, you put it all on the line. Second, the Italians have never looked strong, and are full of weaknesses. Remember that these guys tied the US with a man advantage, and only exploded over Ukraine in the second half. Germany is well-tested, having defeated Argentina and will surely claim victory and head for the final. + Germany 2 - Italy 1

I pick France over Portugal because the French are hot, and inspired while Portugal has been pulling scrappy, dirty games for the whole of their tournament. Zidane wants to end in World Cup glory. His teammates want the same. Portugal is looking washed-up and keeps getting lucky. France has already upset the tournament and will not stop for anything now. France 1 - Portugal 0

For the Final Germany 2 - France 0