Group A
Finland is looking nothing like the side that was constantly shipping three or more goals against the Czechs and the Dutch in WC qualifying. They have managed to not only beat Poland, a traditional footballing powerhouse, but contain and stifle Portugal's impressive attack. The 1:1 result in Helsinki could prove decisive in yielding the winners.

Poland is experiencing something similar to what Belgium underwent in the last two years - a steady decline in its ability to compete on the international stage. Even landing second place in this well-balanced group seems beyond their capabilities.

Serbia, on the other hand, is slowly but surely making-up for its ridiculous showing in Germany. Under new management the Blues are displaying more firepower and less defensive solidity, a combination generally associated with the attack-minded Serbian teams of the past. A win, a draw, plus a 3:1 friendly defeat of the Czech Republic, gives them a solid start to the qualifying campaign.

Portugal will take first place in the group, despite looking a little less potent without Figo in the mix. The other four teams, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, will be looking for nothing more than a few upsets.

GROUP A
1. Portugal
2. Finland
3. Serbia
4. Poland
5. Belgium
6. Kazakhstan
7. Armenia
8. Azerbaijan

Group B
It was absolutely fantastic to see France put three past the World Champions at the Stade de France. Now that Ukraine, Scotland, and France lead the Group, the Italians have been left with serious catching-up work to do, and receiving that Zidane-style headbutt in the balls didn't help their cause. Too bad. I don't think many tears would be shed should they fail to qualify. Despite being 5 points clear of their Transalpine rivals after only two matches, Les Bleus must keep their feet on the ground, as there are still daunting trips to Scotland, Ukraine, and Italy ahead.

Scotland are riding a wave of euphoria and confidence after taking maximum points from their first two matches, scoring 8 and conceding just one. Granted, 6 of those goals came from their thrashing of group minnows Faroe Islands, but the Scots have managed to do one thing our Italian friends have not; beat dark-horses Lithuania.

Lithuania and Georgia will continue to steal points from the favorites, but I cannot see either team qualifying for the competition in Switzerland. Should France continue this run of good results, second place will be a real dogfight between Italy, Scotland, and Ukraine.

GROUP B:
1. France
2. Scotland
3. Italy
4. Ukraine
5. Georgia
6. Lithuania
7. Faroe Islands

Group C
There are no top teams here even with European Champions Greece involved, and the team from the Mediterranean is looking a mere shadow of its world-beating display in Portugal. Norway has already stamped its authority on the group and a meeting between the Scandinavians and the Turks looks decisive. Bosnia has recently evolved from being a dark-horse side to being serious contenders for qualification, and could pull a surprise and qualify. Hungary will challenge, but only for a brief period of time.

GROUP C
1. Norway
2. Turkey
3. Bosnia & Herzegovina
4. Greece
5. Hungary
6. Moldova
7. Malta

Group D
I would have to say that Group D wins the title of the tightest, closest group of them all. Here traditional powerhouse Germany has been put together with three teams with real talent and more than enough strength to qualify - the Czech Republic, the Republic of Ireland, and Slovakia. And let's not forget Wales, eager to finally make it to the big stage after several close calls.

So far the Welsh are terribly unlucky. Unlucky to lose against the Czechs, they have just lost an exhibition game against Brazil. Chances are, it's quite gloomy in the Wales camp right now.

The battle for second place will be of gargantuan porportions. I would personally rule-out the Irish, despite having some real class players on their side. Wales will fall short again, and Slovakia will duel with the Czech Republic - but with the latter already holding an impressive advantage in terms of head-to-head record, Slovakia will also be unlucky losers.

GROUP D
1. Germany
2. Czech Republic
3. Slovakia
4. Wales
5. Ireland Republic
6. Cyprus
7. San Marino

Group E
England is really doing a fine job of taking max points from the "small" teams - 10 goals and three clean sheets in its last 3 internationals says something. Israel, too, despite the fact that they have not encountered any big opposition yet, are looking strong and capable of qualifying for Euro 2008. This is a side, after-all, that had gone undefeated in WC qualifying.

Ever since France '98, Croatia has been a force on the international level, qualifying for every single major tournament since 2002. The respect they demand as an opposing side has not lessened since then, and they should give the other teams a run for their money.

Russia is young, talented, but inexperienced. This lack of experience, clearly demonstrated in their inability to put away chances at home against the Croats, could cost them big. Macedonia is dangerous at home but impotent on away trips.

GROUP E
1. England
2. Croatia
3. Israel
4. Russia
5. Macedonia
6. Estonia
7. Andorra

Group F
Spain's shock defeat to Northern Ireland questions the Iberian menace's authority in this Group. The Spaniards were awful in WC 2006 qualifying, and this early loss could easily dampen their spirits and see them miss-out on the tournament.

Denmark, however, has found a new blend of young and experienced players, with talents such as Nicklas Bendtner rising quickly through the ranks and proving their worth on the international stage. 4:2 vs. Portugal, and 2:0 vs. Iceland are their most recent results, and the Danes are looking to make-up for that slow start that cost them a place in the WC.

Sweden has managed to bounce back from repeated maulings by Germany and are looking fine. Both Iceland and Northern Ireland should be able to compete for a place as well. Latvia and Liechtenstein are no easy pickings either. This group is wide open.

GROUP F
1. Denmark
2. Sweden
3. Spain
4. Iceland
5. Northern Ireland
6. Liechtenstein
7. Latvia

Group G
The Dutch have taken the full, expected 6 points from their first two games, albeit in unconvincing fashion. The 3:0 victory over Belarus was a breath of fresh air for Marco van Basten, who has repeatedly been questioned over the selection of his players. No Ruud van Nistelrooij, no Roy Makaay...instead we see Dirk Kuyt and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink joining Robin van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar in attack. Sometimes the Oranje clock ticks and works perfectly, like in the demolition of Ireland at the Road (4:0). Sometimes, however, it stutters.

Bulgaria and Romania are the likely contenders for second spot. After the brave comeback from being 2:0 down against their Eastern European neighbors, Bulgaria will be looking to avoid any further slip-ups. As long as Dimitar Berbatov finds his scoring touch again, that should be no problem.

GROUP G
1. Netherlands
2. Romania
3. Bulgaria
4. Slovenia
5. Albania
6. Belarus
7. Luxembourg

MY QUALIFIERS:
Portugal, Finland, France, Scotland, Norway, Turkey, Germany, Czech Republic, England, Croatia, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Romania

ARSENAL

Arsenal should have no problem beating Aston Villa in their Premierleague opener - 4:0 to the Gunners!!
The midfield has never looked better, with Hleb patrolling the right, Aliadiere adding his own share of creativity and pace, Reyes and Rosicky lurking dangerously on the left (perhaps the versatile Czech can even play a la Bergkamp?!), and with Fabregas and Gilberto dictating play from center-mid...what is much more worrisome is the huge hole stemmizng from the departures of Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole. Granted, although the latter has not yet left the Club, the possibility is still there, a possibility over which Arsene Wenger is losing sleep.

Had Philippe Senderos not been injured that defensive void would surely have been filled, the energetic Swiss having given master performances for his country during the World Cup; but this not being the case, a new defender must be brought in to avoid seing Mathieu Flamini the only senior left-back until Christmas, when Gael Clichy makes his return from injury. So any thoughts?
I would personally love to see Arsenal acquire the services of Frenchman Eric Abidal, currently playing at Olympique Lyonnais. He has something of an Ashley Cole in him - fiercely combative, plus a tendency to move forward and attack - and with the money earned from the England man's sale, Lyon's $25 million evaluation of Abidal should easily be met.
Sol Campbell's signing with Portsmouth gives me no worries at all. It is time for two of the Gunners' youngsters, namely Justin Hoyte and Johann Djourou, to fight for a starting place until Senderos makes his return from injury.

It was kind of sad to see Sweden goalkeeper Isaakson join Manchester City. Lehmann has no more than two or three seasons left in him; Almunia is quite prone to errors and definitely needs to step it up if he wishes to be the new No.1; Mart Poom is out of the question, being aged and somewhat of a second-rate keeper...so a new guardian of the nets is also a mandatory signing for the near future. Isaakson would have been the perfect replacement for Lehmann. He is only 24, has plenty of experience on the highest professional level, and was instrumental in keeping the score down to 2:0 in Sweden's World Cup loss to Germany. Now that City have snapped him up, however, Arsenal must look elsewhere...perhaps another Frenchie, Mickael Landreau?

Whatever the little problems and worries that are bothering Wenger, one thing is crystal-clear; Arsenal has a squad strong enough to give the defending champs a run for their money, both in the Barclay's Premierleague and the UEFA Champions League. They were more than impressive in pre-season, beating both AZ Alkmaar and Dinamo Zagreb 3:0 in away matches, and this run of good form is showing no signs of flagging. Expect Capt. Titi Henry to claim the Boot once again, and young Fabregas to lead the team far in both its domestic and European campaigns.

FRANCE

I recently wrote a post concerning the future of the French team...with much more thinking, however, I've drawn a few conclusions:

1. There will be an intense midfield battle between France's youngsters. Lassana Diarra currently claims the role of "new Makelele", but with the rise of Rio Antonio Mavuba, Jeremie Toulalan, and Hatem Ben Arfa, and possibly even more young talents, only three at most can secure a spot for the World Cup 2010, or even the Euro 2008. Largely due to the new crop's huge amount of versatility (Julien Faubert, for instance, can play right-wing or right-back; Flamini, anywhere in midfield or left-back; Jeremie Berthod is another William Gallas, comfortable in center-back or left-back), competition will be fierce, and it will again be interesting to see who Raymond Domenech favors.

2. France will have a hard time qualifying for the Euro 2008 Championships - a difficult comment to make, considering the vast amount of talent Les Bleus can draw from. Yet seeing that both Ukraine and Italy have largely kept their World Cup squads intact, the youngsters may stumble against the weight of experience. And let's not forget an always-dangerous Scottish squad fielding some real quality players, plus the dark-horse teams of Georgia and Lithuania; the up-coming game at Bosnia & Herzegovina should give an idea of France's current international status.

3. TREZEGUET: Stuck in that hell pit that is now Juventus, Trezegol should come out all guns firing for France. His club career has taken a huge step back, and what fun is it to be scoring against Serie B outfits while you could be helping the national team win Euro qualifiers? I would love to see a more motivated, more clinical Trezeguet partnering Henry in attack...he's got to prove himself quick before the arrivals of other young strikers in the likes of Sinama-Pongolle, Anthony Le Tallec, Jimmy Briand, and Samir Nasri. Trezeguet, despite his loss of form comparable to that of Ruud van Nistelrooij, is still a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

Time for the prediction game!!!!! :-)

UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying Group B:
France 1:1 Italy (H) France 3:0 Scotland (H) France 4:0 Faroe Islands (H)
France 0:0 Italy (A) France 1:1 Scotland (A) France 2:0 Faroe Islands (A)

France 2:1 Lithuania (H) France 3:2 Georgia (H) France 1:2 Ukraine (H)
France 2:1 Lithuania (A) France 2:0 Georgia (A) France 0:0 Ukraine (A)

Total Points: 25
(In this scenario, as long as our good neighbors Italy do us a favor by beating Ukraine, and as long as Lithuania, Georgia and Scotland combine to make life miserable for each other, France should take second place - or else, !!!!!)

Arsenal Fixtures, Barclay's Premierleague:
Arsenal 4:0 Aston Villa
Arsenal 3:1 Manchester City
Arsenal 3:0 Middlesbrough
Arsenal 2:2 Manchester United
Arsenal 2:0 Charlton Athletic

(I just can't see Arsenal falling to any of these teams, and Manchester United is not looking too good so a meeting at Old Trafford shouldn't be too perilous)

Any thoughts, suggestions, or comments on these subjects are most welcome!!!

Goalkeepers:
1. GREGORY COUPET (No.23), Age 38
          That's right, Grego Coupet will still be around in South Africa 2010, he still has his own chapter to write in the history of the FFF. He will be 37-38 then, some three/four years above the "accepted" age of a footballer. But goalkeepers have greater longetivity, and, as exampled by Kahn in Germany 2006, being 38 is no detriment to performance on the upmost level.

2. MICKAEL LANDREAU (No.1), Age 30
          Poor Mickael. Ever since his first cap he has been picked as third-choice goalkeeper, and now with Barthez gone, the penalty specialist will be second to Coupet only due to his lack of experience with the national team. His only chance of being the No.1 will be if radical changes are made a la Klinsmann.

3. ??? OPEN
        This slot is entirely open, but my money is on current Bleuets goalkeeper Steve Mandanda (age 25 in 2010), simply because he has national team experience at the youth level.

Defenders:
1. WILLY SAGNOL (No.19), Age 32
        Vastly experienced and extremely reliable, Sagnol's place in the team is almost guaranteed. It is impossible to imagine the France team without Sagnol patrolling the right flank. Besides, he still has to score a goal for Les Bleus.

2. PATRICE EVRA (No.6), Age 29
       Evra is not getting enough playing time at Manchester United, but with Mickael Silvestre ageing quickly and looking more unstable than ever, Evra's spot also seems secured. There are few France defenders out there more talented, more consistent than Patrice Evra, and I think he will take Thuram's place as defensive anchor.

3. WILLIAM GALLAS (No.5), Age 32
       He is one of the best defenders in the Premierleague right now, and there are no signs of this proficiency flagging or detoriating. France's defensive solidity will revolve around his experience.

4. ERIC ABIDAL (No.3), Age 30
       An excellent, speedy left-back who performed admirably at the World Cup 2006, Abidal might lose his place to the younger Berthod, Clerc, or even Clichy, but again, experience is a huge factor, and he will retain his place.

5. GAEL GIVET (No.17), Age 28
       A logical replacement for Sagnol. Givet will still stick around.

6. JEREMY BERTHOD (No.2), Age 26
       Berthod is extremely versatile, able to play center-back or left-back. He has had top-flight experience with Olympique Lyon, and national team familiarity with Les Bleuets in Portugal. Berthod may even pip Gallas to the starting eleven if the latter lacks in alertness.

7. MATHIEU FLAMINI (No.15), Age 26
       France has plenty of left-backs: Francois Clerc, Gael Clichy, are all possible contenders, and yet, thanks to his Champions League ventures with Arsenal in the '05-'06 season, Mathieu Flamini beats them all as Eric Abidal's replacement. He is one of the most flexible players in the game, able to play left-back, defensive midfield or even as full center-back, and this alone adds a new dimension to the squad. Flamini will play an integral part in this team, and having long been considered an average, abysmal player, he has matured under Arsene Wenger's guidance at Arsenal.

Midfielders:
1. FRANCK RIBERY (No.22), Age 27
        Who could say no to Ribery's inclusion in the French team? For a player who began his career in third division, unnoticed and disregarded, his rise to stardom has been nothing less than incredible. He is capable of tormenting defenders with his pace and technique not only in Ligue 1, but also on the highest level, as proven by his performances in Germany. Ribery is indeed the new Zidane, and he will be at the center of French creativity.

2. LASSANA DIARRA (No.10), Age 25
       The new Claude Makelele. Lassana Diarra is the gem of this squad, and in addition to his reliability in the famous defensive role, he is not afraid to surge forward with the strikers, occasionally trying his luck with long distance shots. He will also be a key asset to France's squad.

3. PATRICK VIEIRA (No.4), Age 32, captain
       Germany 2006 was the fuse needed to ignite Vieira's flagging career, and he is now on top of his game. His leadership skills have been proven at Arsenal, and he meets all the criteria for claiming the captain's armband. Vieira will definitely still be around at the age of 32: he is immortal.

4. JEREMY TOULALAN (No.8), Age 27
       Toulalan was extremely impressive with Les Bleuets in Portugal, and his recent switch to Olympique Lyon will provide him with Champions League experience. One of the great talents in France right now, there is no question that the 23-year-old will prove his worth by the time 2010 rolls around.

5. FLORENT MALOUDA (No.7), Age 29
      How could you say no to France's workhorse midfielder? Malouda was an integral part of the 2006 squad and will carry his duties into 2010. However, he may lose his place in the starting eleven to Toulalan.

6. ALOU DIABY (No.18), Age 23
      Diaby! He is the next Patrick Vieira, and his appearances for Arsenal have been impressive to date. Under Wenger's guidance he will mature very much in the same way as Vieira did in 1997. The Arsenal manager has a famous ability to pick out the very best talents; and Diaby is amongst one of his most valuable finds. He will be of great importance if Vieira is slowed down by age.

7. YOANN GOURCUFF (No.13), Age 27
     I am not really sure about Gourcuff, but he certainly has potential, especially after being snapped-up by AC Milan.

8. RIO ANTONIO MAVUBA (No.21), Age 24
     Rio Antonio Mavuba is the archetypal center-midfielder, a player who plays with a hint of the Zidane element. He will be especially important in terms of creativity, an area that the new generation should not be lacking in. Already lauded and even capped by Domenech, Mavuba is destined to become a star at the World Cup.

9. HATEM BEN ARFA (No.11), Age 23
     Hatem Ben Arfa would have already made a huge impact on the top-flight stage had it not been for a disastrous collarbone injury he picked up in Lyon's title-winning campaign. Arfa is one of those two or three players proclaimed as rightful successor to Zidane, and I really think he will be able to prove his worth in the four years leading up to the World Cup.

Strikers:
1. THIERRY HENRY (No.12), Age 32
    Titi is immortal.

2. DJIBRIL CISSE (No.9), Age 28
    Missing out on the World Cup two days before the first game was cruel at the very least. Cisse, a consistent performer for France, will come-out all guns firing in South Africa.

3. FLORENT SINAMA-PONGOLLE (No.20), Age 26
    He will be the successor to David Trezeguet. Trezeguet himself will probably fall out of favor with the coach and miss the World Cup, as his current form suggests. I would love to see Trezegol continue his Les Bleus career and finish in glittering style, but it seems impossible at the moment. Sinama-Pongolle is a proven striker, and his future is looking bright.

4. SAMIR NASRI (No.14), Age 23
   Nasri is a revelation. He has the potential to build a great career for himself, and I predict he will light the world on fire in 2010 much like Michael Owen did in 1998.

This list is an awful read, but I just had to do it.
And of course this squad of 23 is open to debate and I am open to suggestions.

As clubs across Europe are gearing-up for yet another grueling top-flight season, all eyes are fixed upon the Barclay's Premierleague. The 06-07 season will be fascinating; while Chelski once again bust-out their big Russian money on $21 million substitutes, and with Liverpool seemingly trying to equal the London giants' spending spree, rivals Arsenal and Manchester United have been relatively quiet in the transfer market. Manchester United was linked with several big names, including Atletico striker Fernando Torres, Lyon midfielder Diarra, and surprisingly, ex-Gunner captain Patrick Vieira of the demoted Juventus. As for Arsenal, it seems that all the strikers and no defenders want to go play at Emirates. Yet with all that crap gossip and rumors flying around, major signings have yet to materialize. What are these clubs' chances of dethroning Chelski?

The most capable of doing so is by far Liverpool. Rafa Benitez was able to lure the feared Craig Bellamy to Anfield, along with several emerging young talents such as Aurelio and Paletta. Good old skipper Steve Gerrard is still there to marshall the versatile midfield, and if Bellamy does score goals for the Reds, Chelski will have to watch-out.

In fact, I don't think the defending champions have any chance of winning at all. Sure, Abramovich brought-in Ballack, Sheva, Kalou, and maybe Ashley Cole and Roberto Carlos, but we have been all-too familiar with these foolish super-galactico teams. They will crash and burn like Real Madrid. Ballack will be screaming at Lampard, Lampard will be screaming back, Kalou will be Shaun-Wright Philips No.2, Sheva will constantly bicker with Crespo and Drogba....in short, these players' egos are too big for the welfare of the team.

Manchester United? Well...then there is the Ruud van Nistelrooij saga. It was an absolutely stupid move by SAF to drop Ruud and frustrate him so much as to the point of leaving the club. The fact is, there will never be a Van the Man No.2. Torres is the most overrated player out there. He's truly awful. And since there appears not to be any clear signings on the horizon for Man Utd, the club's chances will depend on the current crop of players. Cristiano Ronaldo will be a non-factor after his immoral act against Rooney - they all hate him in England except the die-hard Red Devil fans. Instead, O'Shea, Alan Smith, Rooney, Saha, Giggs, and even Solskjaer will have to lead the team. And if Scholes gets back to his best, this could be a strong squad. But I just don't see them as strong challengers for the title. Red Devils admit it.

In North London there is real euphoria surrounding Arsenal. Emirates Stadium gives the club a new 60,000-seater. Young stars such as Fabregas, Eboue, and Van Persie have matured. As evidenced in the World Cup, these players will be able to excel at the utmost level - Van Persie's performances for Holland were beyond impressive; Fabregas was king of Spain's midfield; Henry...well, Henry is Henry; and Ashley Cole was the unheralded star for England; never mind the performances of Ljungberg, Senderos, Lehmann, and new-boy Rosicky for their countries. Everything is indeed looking real good.

Except for Ashley Cole. He is the only main concern. The left-back desperately wants to leave, and the most-likely destination for him will either be Real or London rivals Chelski. What does Arsenal get in return? They bag $20 million in the checkbook. This could really help in their bid for highly-rated Curtis Davies, or whomever else Arsene Wenger has on his transfer radar. And with Frenchies Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini performing admirably in the left-back position, there shouldn't be any real problem replacing Cole.

PREMIERLEAGUE SEASON '06-'07
1. Liverpool
2. Arsenal
3. Manchester United
4. Tottenham Hotspur
5. Chelsea
6. Blackburn Rovers
7. Everton
8. Portsmouth
9. Reading
10. Wigan Athletic
11. Charlton Athletic
12. Middlesbrough
13. Watford
14. Newcastle United
15. Bolton Wanderers
16. Fulham
17. West Ham United
18. Manchester City
19. Aston Villa
20. Sheffield United




 

Just three days away from the eighth anniversary of that glorious evening when a certain Zinedine Zidane buried two headers into the back of the Brazilian net, Les Bleus tripped at the  very last hurdle. Having completely outgunned the Italians, having outplayed the Italians, outpassed them...they just couldn't repeat the heroics of 1998. There was no moment of magic such as David Trezeguet's dramatic overtime goal that sealed France's Euro 2000. Fate had already guaranteed Italy their Fourth Title, and Zidane's dreadful sending-off only relayed that message. It was just simply not meant for France to win.

Yet even having committed that ugly incident, Les Bleus can go home proud of themselves and of the imprint they left in Germany, proud of their accomplishments and fulfillment of their goal. They were digne de la victoire. Ever since that very day when a little-known astrology buff by the name of Raymond Domenech - a man with barely any coaching experience - took charge and vowed to take France to the Final, they have fought, struggled, rejoiced, and suffered together - they were a team, a unit, inseparable by defeat or hardship, unfazed by challenges or obstacles that lay in their path to the pinnacle of sporting glory.

And through this bond of brotherhood they sent the biggest guns in world football crashing out of the tournament one after another, first Spain, then Brazil, and finally Portugal. Once the machine was oiled and the components began to click, there was no way of stopping it. Like Napoleon's Grande Armee they conquered all that lay between them and magnificence, and spread the legacy of the Kings of '98 so that the sheer might of la patrie could reverberate around the world. It was a pity - not just a pity but a tragedy - that this golden period of French footballing history  must have ended in sorrow.

For the Italians, it was a victory long overdue. They were robbed of glory in '90, '94, and '98 on penalty shoot-outs. In 2002, poor refereeing decisions granted hosts South Korea passage to the quarterfinals, leaving frustrated Azzurri fans asking themselves in disbelief what more was needed to replicate the successful 1982 campaign. Once the Juve scandal exploded, people immediately sought the ghosts of '82 for guidance. And with defensive grit and deadly efficiency up front, the Italians too, like France, left opponent after opponent rotting in the dust. Ghana, the Czech Republic, Australia, Ukraine, Germany...all felt the brunt of Italian Calcio.

The best two teams of the tournament fittingly met in the World Cup Final, the match of all matches. After equalizing in the 19th minute the Italians lost control of the game and resorted to their demonic defending. The French attacked in waves, at times completely besieging that courageous defense, launching threats from both flanks, from the air, from Thierry Henry's pace and magical footwork. They pushed, they fought in sweat and blood, giving everything they had.

Yet in the end, that wall, so flawlessly marshalled by Fabio Cannavaro, never ruptured. On the few times where it did stumble, that goalkeeper of all goalkeepers, Gigi Buffon, was there to deny Les Bleus. Fate had decided to sink the French battleship, mere kissing distance from winning the World Cup. So simple,
So cruel.
 

There is no need to complain, that the referee was unfair and biased, or that the Italians took a few diving lessons from the Portuguese. The referee did the best he could, the Italians played their style. Rather, disconsolate fans out there should look to the future. They should look towards the new gems emerging from France's vast pool of talent. They should look to the new Zidanes, Thurams, Vieiras and Trezeguets. These veterans have handed down their experience, their legacy, to that new generation of French warriors, and have acted as role models for those eager youngsters.

Through the cherished era they left behind - the mazy runs of Zidane, the courageous defending of Desailly and Thuram, the sprawling saves of Barthez, the attacking flair of Pires and Djorkaeff, the impeccable tackles of Deschamps and Makelele, and the deadly finishing of Trezeguet - every Frenchman may say with the utmost pride, "Je suis Francais."