In Germany, he and his team started slowly. Both have improved.
In France's 1-0 quarterfinal win over Brazil, Zidane probably played better
than he did in the 1998 final.
Add to that Thierry Henry's craftiness (he got the winning goal), William
Gallas' deepening bond with Lilian Thuram in central defense, Patrick Vieira's
new-found vigor, and France is a strong contender for its second title.
"Of the four semifinalists, France is in the best shape," Scolari said. "If
we made the final, maybe that game wouldn't be as difficult."
France defender William Gallas said his team was making a point by advancing
deep into the tournament.
"Our idea was to go to the final. We have one game left," Gallas said. "It's
a shame, instead of supporting the team, we were heavily criticized by the
press, by the people, but we knew what we wanted to do and answered the right
way."
Also in France's favor: it hasn't lost against Portugal in 31 years. The two
countries have never met at a World Cup, but the French twice edged the
Portuguese in the semifinals of the European Championship, in 1986 and 2000.
"Looking at the record books, France is the favorite," Scolari said. "But
we've been playing well. Maybe we can change the course of history. The favorite
doesn't always win."
Figo, who will be making his 126th appearance, has produced steady,
workmanlike soccer. He no longer bursts past defenders with a quick shift of
gear, but he can still dribble and has excellent vision.
He hasn't scored but has had a hand in four of Portugal's six goals. He also
has a slight injury, as does Cristiano Ronaldo.
Apart from skilled players such as Deco and Ronaldo, Portugal also has one of
the world's best coaches in Scolari. The Brazilian has recorded a 12-game
unbeaten run in the World Cup stretching from the last tournament where he took
his own country to the title. Portugal, which is on a 19-game unbeaten run,
hasn't lost in Germany.
"Portugal is defensively better organized than Brazil was and up front you
have Deco, Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo," French winger Franck Ribery said.
"It will be tough. Tougher than against Brazil," Thuram
added.
