The second semifinals was not as exciting as the first one was. France scored the lone goal of the match through a penalty kick and the 1998 champions were happy to sit back, absorb the pressure and defend for the rest of the match. The move was a dangerous one, what with Fabien Barthez, one of the worst goalkeepers in the tournament manning the French goal. But 'Les Bleus' managed to ward off the occassional surges from the Portuguese and theaterics from Christiano Ronaldo - the most overrated player around - to hold on to the lead. The most striking feature of the match was the manner in which Zidane converted the spot kick. There he was standing on top of the ball, as cool as a cucumber, took one step towards the ball and netted it home. He never looked like missing this one. Zizou is back in form. Though he can no way be remembered as a Maradona or a Pele, he does deserve his place alongside the Platinis, Rijkaards and Linekars. That his final international match is a World Cup final is a fitting tribute to the legend.Figo had the hair, but Zidane had the flair....
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