Veteran pair fire France past Spain
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Veterans Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane both struck inside the final ten minutes as France defeated Spain 3-1 last night.
Spain went ahead through David Villa's superbly struck penalty after Lilian Thuram rashly fouled Pablo Ibanez.
France soon equalised when Frank Ribery rounded Iker Casillas after he was found by Vieira's clever pass.
With seven minutes to go Vieira powered in a header and with Spain pushing forward Zidane broke clear for a solo effort in stoppage time.
Zidane, who struggled in France's first two group games, looks to have finally found his rhythm, prompting and cajoling his teammates to victory just as he did during their successful 1998 campaign.
France's victory also means Brazil will face their nemesis Zidane again, the player who scored twice against them in the 1998 World Cup final.
Zidane said afterwards: "It was a celebration, the Spanish made it difficult but the adventure continues.
"We wanted to accomplish something and show the people we had the qualities even if in our group it was difficult."
Coach Raymond Domenech added: "It was a remarkable match in every way."
He continued: "It was very tough for the players. We may have a team of old men but we know how to be patient.
"Younger people run out of breath. There's something exceptional waiting for us, unique emotions.
"As for Zidane, he kept going for the whole match. In the 89th minute, he stuck to it - he still accelerated."
Spain coach Luis Aragones said: "Football is unjust sometimes, but not always. France were very tough opponents.
"When players give everything you can't ask any more of them. They are still very young and will have another chance in the future."
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas was unable to contain his frustration at Spain's exit.
"We were so close. It was undeserved, an undeserved defeat," said Casillas.
"But that's football, we're heading home and there's nothing we can do about it."
Spain went ahead through David Villa's superbly struck penalty after Lilian Thuram rashly fouled Pablo Ibanez.
France soon equalised when Frank Ribery rounded Iker Casillas after he was found by Vieira's clever pass.
With seven minutes to go Vieira powered in a header and with Spain pushing forward Zidane broke clear for a solo effort in stoppage time.
Zidane, who struggled in France's first two group games, looks to have finally found his rhythm, prompting and cajoling his teammates to victory just as he did during their successful 1998 campaign.
France's victory also means Brazil will face their nemesis Zidane again, the player who scored twice against them in the 1998 World Cup final.
Zidane said afterwards: "It was a celebration, the Spanish made it difficult but the adventure continues.
"We wanted to accomplish something and show the people we had the qualities even if in our group it was difficult."
Coach Raymond Domenech added: "It was a remarkable match in every way."
He continued: "It was very tough for the players. We may have a team of old men but we know how to be patient.
"Younger people run out of breath. There's something exceptional waiting for us, unique emotions.
"As for Zidane, he kept going for the whole match. In the 89th minute, he stuck to it - he still accelerated."
Spain coach Luis Aragones said: "Football is unjust sometimes, but not always. France were very tough opponents.
"When players give everything you can't ask any more of them. They are still very young and will have another chance in the future."
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas was unable to contain his frustration at Spain's exit.
"We were so close. It was undeserved, an undeserved defeat," said Casillas.
"But that's football, we're heading home and there's nothing we can do about it."
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