Wednesday's clash on a warm, still night at the high-tech Allianz Arena was
fiercely contested, as expected, but largely free of ugly scenes although a
clearly frustrated Scolari did remonstrate with the match officials at the end.
"There are situations that are difficult," he said. "We did everything we
could, we did our best. Congratulations to France. We have to accept this. We
knew it would be a difficult match. We had a few chances but unfortunately
didn't do it and lost."
France, relying on a bunch of gifted thirty-somethings, started the
tournament in sluggish fashion before stepping up a few gears to recapture their
winning ways, dumping out champions Brazil in the previous round.
Their semi-final kicked off at a high tempo and Portugal had the first clear
opportunity after nine minutes, Maniche firing just over the bar from the edge
of the box after a clever back-heeled Cristiano Ronaldo pass.
Ronaldo, booed by large sections of the crowd every time he touched the ball,
was a permanent danger and came close to scoring after a fine move punctuated by
a deflected shot shortly before the break.
IN CONTROL
France, however, looked in control for large spells and deserved their
halftime lead, which they nearly doubled early in the second half with attempts
by Henry and Franck Ribery.
The French did survive a scare in a relatively uneventful second half after
78 minutes when a Luis Figo header flew over the bar after Fabien Barthez
scooped a Ronaldo free kick into the air.
Fernando Meira then wasted another excellent chance for Portugal deep in
added time, firing wildly over the bar from a good position.
Nothing, however, stopped France's golden generation from booking the
ultimate farewell party.
"I'm 34 and I feel like the 10-year-old boy who watched the World Cup and
found it beautiful", said Thuram, one of several French players expected to
retire from the international game after the final.
