FOOTBALL: PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE

I woke up just enough for the last bit of the second half. Portugal played much better and attacked all the way. Lilian Thuram was exceptional for France. If Cannavaro is the unbeatable defender of Italy, he is the French version. Cristino Ronaldo was pushed up as a forward as they have very limited attacking options. Portugal deserved some goals but they just could not convert chances in front of goal into goals. Barthez again was very shaky. Zidane still doing well in the middle and was instrumental again.

With this result, the 3rd/4th placing is:

GERMANY VS. PORTUGAL

Germany will be the favourites for that clash while Italy will be the favourites for the final.

ITALY VS. FRANCE

Italy have the edge in the goalkeeping as well as defence departments, a younger side and a stronger forward line. France have the defence only second to Italy, have a stronger midfield lineup and a forward line which always don't score much. I would rather Gilardino be played if there is only one striker chosen for Italy in the final. As for France, they will ask their magician to wave his magic one final time!