The memories of the 1998 World Cup final between France and Brazil remain
fresh.
And as the teams prepare to meet again in the quarterfinals on Saturday,
players and coaches on both sides can't escape talking about the historic game
in Paris in which the host came out on top 3-0 at Stade de France.
"The image I have of the '98 final is one of being in a dream," France
defender Lilian Thuram said Thursday. "I told myself 'It's not real, it's not
real."'
Thuram is one of 12 players in Germany -- six from each team -- who
participated in the 1998 tournament.
"I'm out of words to talk about that match, it left a scar," said Brazil
midfielder Ze Roberto, who was a reserve eight years ago.
Even those who were not there still talk about it.
"I was really little, but it's a sad memory," 22-year-old Brazil striker
Robinho said. "I hope the story will be different this time."
Indeed, Brazil enters the match eager for a different outcome on Saturday in
Frankfurt. A victory would keep alive Brazil's hopes for a record sixth world
title -- and third in four World Cups.
France is trying to add to the 1998 title, and erase the embarrassment of
being eliminated in the first round of 2002 in South Korea and Japan.
This time, the French struggled in the group stage, drawing Switzerland and
South Korea and advancing only after beating lightly regarded Togo. However,
rallying for a 3-1 victory over Spain in the second round has boosted
confidence.
Veteran midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who has said he will retire after this
tournament, was key against Spain and seems to be peaking.
"There is a great atmosphere, and we are feeling better and better," French
striker Thierry Henry said.
Brazil reached the quarterfinals with an unimpressive 3-0 win over newcomer
Ghana. The five-time champion also underwhelmed in first-round victories over
Croatia and Australia.
Only against Japan, when coach Carlos Alberto Parreira fielded five reserve
players to rest some of the regular starters, was Brazil able to display some of
the flair many expect from the five-time champion.
"Brazil and France is a classic matchup," Parreira said. "It should be a
great game."
The winner will face either England or Portugal, which play in Gelsenkirchen
earlier on Saturday.
Parreira was likely to be able to count on all of his players for the match
against France.
Midfielders Emerson and Kaka were cleared by Brazil's doctors to practice on
Friday after improving from knee injuries. Striker Robinho, who missed the match
against Ghana, remained doubtful because of a pulled muscle in his right thigh.
