They’ve met before

emmmm…this fight is going to be really3 tough for france. i win 3 times betting wth my friend 1st wth togo, 2nd wth spain(i said zidane will score, and he did), 3rd with brazil. for france to meet portugal, “hard to see the future is, always in motion”. i don’t dare to bet in this game.

you are a genius!

Good post. It should be a fantastic game.

Forca Portugal!

i think irragardless how hard this match will be we should all still back France up like most of us has always done and believe that our hero’s can bring this cup back to our home country the Portugal from play can be very dirty but i hope they put that behind and play a match professionally like i know they can do and when they do they can be very good may the best team win

It will be a very difficult game for both teams. Victory will come at a very epensive price. Both teams have important players with yellow cards. Some of those players will get another one and will not be able to play in the final. So watch out for a bloody fight!!!

Video: France-Brasil celebrations in Montreal, Canada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbOlIrNF7GY

It certainly promises to be one of the best games in the cup so far. I’m a France supporter but the tenacity of the Portuguese team has really impressed me (with the exception of Figo’s head butting which was terrible, but that whole match was a desaster). The Portuguese really have the will to win this time and they fight for every opportunity and till the very last second.

I don’t think one judge Portugal’s non scoring against England because England always had an excellent defense, just as I think Brazil were very poor in comparison to their usual form.

France is going to have to fight very very hard for this one, and I’m a bit worried that they won’t make it. I just wish that Domenech would give Trezeguet a go for a change and that he would actually play with the team and not his ego for a change, because when he does play well, he plays very well.

I think this match is going to go to penalties…

eww, france, eww

Yes, it will probably be a nail-biting game that people with even a mild heart condition should not watch!!

Of course I´m cheering for Portugal, but I´m very worried and uncertain especially after France´s phenomenal performance against an unrecognizable Brazil.

I´ll keep my fingers crossed on this one.

Hope Portugal´s individual creativity can make the difference.

You know what, I should come over to the france blog more often. The angry people of england are taking over the portugal blog. I like you france people, you at least give us respect. For that i say if portugal doesn’t win i’ll go for france.

I just pray that this game does not go into penalties, I want to have goals and shootouts are way to nerve wrecking.

GOOD LUCK TO US ALL!!!

It is going to be a great team, and the winner of this game will take all. Oh, I remember the 84 game when Jean François Domergue took that beautiful free kick which everyone thought Platini will take.
And what about Shallana of portugal , he was superb in that game.

I can’t wait for this game. France have gotten better every single game and Portugal just seems to find a way to win.

For France to win this game their defence and Zidane has to play as good as it did against Spain and Brazil. I don’t think Sagnol has gotten much recognition for how good he as been playing. For me he has played the best out of the four in the back which was surprising to me.

For Portugal to win they will have to frustrate the French and I’m just worried that something will happen like in the Holland or England game where a French player gets sent off. With Scolari as the coach they have been playing much more like a South American team…diving and acting which I hate, but hey its part of the game now.

France wins 2-1

GO FRANCE.

Be aware the Portugal team will have a gameplan for you. But if you are hoping for a clean game you are terribly mistaken. The key to victory is composure. They will dive, they will cry and most of all they will take down ZIdane everytime he gets control. Good luck, I wich you guys the best. Please dont let a team like Portugal win adn disgrace the grand stage being the FINAL>

if they dive, henry will dive much further. if they injured zidane, gallas/thuram will make sure they will not walk again. if they cry, then the france will surely take them back to their mother land.

trazeguet should start up in this game, rather thn henry. because trazeguet could take more punishment from the portugal defense. just my opinion.

Trezequet may be forced to play when Henry is fouled terribly by Deco. I hope this is not the case but Portugal has no shame. THey will foul hard, they will dive all game, they will sworm the ref on every call, they will wink at eachother and somehow they will get penalties. ANd if they win they would celebrate with no shame and no regrets.

Natalie;
go away, no portuguese over here allowed. We will give you no respect for your play has been filthy. You better no try any tricks on Wednesday. You ask for no penalties, I ask for fair play.

Lets petition.

NO Portuguese. Its war and they are enemy number one.

Portugal dives and acts???

LOL – that coming from a supporter of a team where Henry plays…

Portugal did 3 fouls the WHOLE 120 minutes against England. 3. Equals the record held by Brazil for least fouls in a game.

We couldn´t break open the well organized, world-class English Defense. But we didn´t have Deco.

If France steps on the grass come Wednesday “convinced” of a victory, that will be the first step to defeat. If they respect the Portuguese team (as I respect the French team) then it will be a balanced match.

I´ll be honest, I would have preferred Brazil. Not for any simpathy for them (which I do have) but because of a more selfish reason: I think they were playing badly. The French got through and have been on a crescendo. They will be favourites to win (and history confirms it).

Good. I like being the “underdog” (It worked against Holland and England)

Oh. And Pierre… Get a life.

Don’t pay attention to Pierre…(i hope he is kidding)

Perhaps most of French people will consider France as the favourite but i’m sure the team won’t consider itself as favourite.
They know Portugal is not here by luck, the results of the last euro prove it and they will play seriously.

Haarf:

I don´t think France will underestimate Portugal, and that´s where my worries begin.

I´m not worried about Portugal underestimating anyone (especially France in it´s current form). They will play with the same heart against France, Iran, Angola, etc. That was a lesson learned the hard way against Greece.

The WC will be better when Portugal is eliminated.

Nay NAY NAY NAY HEY HEY HEY GOODBYE

To the French of this blog…
I must commend you on a very well composed and mature conversation of futbol on your blog. Like Natalie said, unfortunately the Portuguese blog has been overrun by a bunch of very bitter English and Dutch fans. It will be a fantastic game on Wednesday. It is hard to have anything but the utmost respect for your squad especially considering the way they’ve played their last few games and, of course, with the great Zidane as their captain. Honestly, I might have to have some medical staff on hand as I’m not sure my heart can take another close nail-biter after this weekend’s penalty kicks win over England. But I’m sure it will be a great game. May the best team win!!

Sergio get off of our site. You dont belong here.

You french guys make me sick. Portugal si by far the best team. France is dirty and they dive alot. You should of lost to Spain. We will give you a beating of a lifetime.

Go france!!! I am sure you will win portugal.:)

omg, all trolls seem to post from Canada

i think france should not let zidane play this game against portugal. it will not be a fair fight, its like…to much to portugal.
hehehehehe….*grin*

Is France read for Portugal? I cannot wait for this game.

allez allez allez les blues son los nuevos campeones…son les mots qui von trez bien enzemble¡¡¡¡ argentina loves you

well this should be a nail bitting game nomatter how much i hope it isn’t but i give both teams my best wishes and i hope for a very clean, safe, football match cause right now i think they might be a tougher opponent then Brazil was for some reason and if they are then i hope our team shows the same effort they did against brazil if not more if that is humanly posible but hey Zidane isn’t human lol well best wishes to both teams and may the best team win

The world Cup is not fair…
As abidal said before the Spain clash :
“They can speak as they want, we have Zidane and they don’t!”

Yeah Abidal you were so right!!

We have Zidane, other teams don’t!!!!!

Allez la france!! Hope if portugal play defense, trezeget will come in!

ps ALLEZ LES BLEUS!!!

I don’t understand why people like those posters from Canada are demanding we stay out of your blog. The portuguese blog has been over run by english and dutch fans who can’t get over their loss. It seems as though most French supporters are respectful of the game and of other teams. I am a fan of football, have been for most of my life. I watch every league, french, english premier, portugues league…hell if there is a guatamalen game on I’ll watch it. And i can tell you EVERYONE dives.

But to the point of my post. The french team is very strong with some of the best players in the world. Zidane is out to prove that he has a little something left before he retires. I respect the french team for their style, technique and love for the game. And as a firm supporter of the portuguese team (they are my life) I can tell you that it will be a tough game. And stop saying that we will cheat and dive. Portuguese people do as any other team does, if they start to fight with fire we will fight back. It is called pride!!

Even if we do lose, I respect the French team. Allez Les Blues and Forca Portugal! May the best team win.

I am a Portuguese born in France, living in England…I am having a great time at the moment, the dutch are blaming Portugal’s Cheating and agressivity when clearly, they set the tone of the game right at the outset (Ronaldo’s foul), the English have found yet again someone to blame (Rooney or Ronaldo, I let you choose..)for their early exit without looking at the poor displays they have been showing since the beginning of the tournament and their lack of attacking ambition on the pitch..
So believe me as Portuguese and French as I am (with my heart beating for Portugal) I cannot wait for this game between two talented teams who have a lot of respect towards each other, No time for sore losers here and let’s enjoy pure game of football as France and Portugal have always been able to diplay when they face each other

Forca Rapazes,

I love portugal’s team this year… They have great players…Figo, Ronaldo, Deco…MAMA MIA. IMPRESSIVE. It’s a pity that lousy dutch and english bunnies keep on blaming them for their loss…

So, welcome to all Portuguese on this blog!

This semi final will be great!

Allez les BLEUS et Forza ITALIA!!!

The best games to watch, are when both sides pray brilliantly. My country is Iran, so I have no buisness choosing sides. I want to see Zizous brliliance, his control of the ball, his will to win for france. I want to see Henry’s attacking ability, not just his offsides capability. I want to see Figo’s trickery and playmaking ability match zidanes. I want to see Cristiano Ronaldo show that he really wants to win, that he is more than just show, that he deserves my praise. All in all I want to see a game which is legendary, something that can redeem this midfield passing contest which has been the world cup this year. Zidane resurrected my hopes in seeing brilliance this year, I hope portugal can ans the call. In order for it to be a brilliant game there must be two sides playing brilliant futbal. This is what I want to see. I hope coaches will take risks, I hope everyone is at their best, I hope I am granted my wish.

-i1l

I am here to torment the French as Portugal is going to give you beaten worst than anything you can amagine.

This is revenge for cheating us out of a Euro Cup.

You got lucky with Spain and beat an overrated Brazilian team. Now were going to punish you for even thinking you can play with us.

HEY FRANCE

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU GUYS BEAT PORTUGAL.

CRISTIANO Ronaldo got one of our guy’s RED CARDED that’s why we lost.

I know it was in the 62nd minute but Rooney would have scored later on if he didn’t get sent off. And we would have won!

Cristiano Ronaldo planned to get Rooney out of the game. So he paid the Referee a million dollars becase well he can afford it cause hes soooo rich.

and then Ronaldo told CARAVALHO to go in between Rooneys legs and make sure that he position his CROTCH so that ROONEy can “STEP” ON IT!!

And then Ronaldo told Rooney to PUSH HIM right in front of the REFEREE. and because Rooney has no brains. he just follows everything Ronaldo tells him to do. And that’s how Rooney got the Red card.!!

Please Zidane. Kick Ronaldo’s Arse

Good day to all Portuguese and French supporters. this will indeed be a memorable semi-final… chiefly, it’s a battle of TWO HEARTS. it’s ZIDANE vs FIGO, as simple as that. both are in their final World Cup. both came back to win it. whoever wants it more will get it, coz you can bet that both will orchestrate offense for their respective teams, as well as inspire on the defensive ends. tho i’m a die-hard Portugal fan, i wish France the best of luck. let’s have a good match!

To Rl-. That is the spirit of the game.You may ( you should ) have preferences) but at the end of the you want a bautiful show. Alas, as
Carlos Parreira, the Brazilian coach put it: “the show is to win”. Thank you RL from Philippines. You put it right

I just love smelling like a lethal dose of pee and garlic~ mmmmm.

FORZA ITALIA

Last thuesday, I have eaten a paella, saturday I’ve made Caipirinha.
For tomorrow menu, I hesitate: Is Porto wine nice with baccalao ?

Seriously, I hope a great match!

Kidd : et dimanche choucroute??

I know that not all of the english fans are like some bastards that write in here. For the good ones i would like to say that you had bad luck because the game was a lot harder after you lose rooney (but the game is that way and in portugal other game it happened to us).

For the others, i say to them to go sit in front of TV and go watch the dives of Michael Owen in 98 and 02.

Portugal is a great country and respects the people from other places and you saw that when we organised the euro 2004 everything went well and not even the stupid hooligans came here because it was everything made with our hearts.

We have a great team with fantastic players and we will support them to the end (winning or loosing).

A kiss to a friend in England that had a difficult time on saturday and thanks to her english boyfriend that is by her side and even being sad will support Portugal.

Cheers to all that love football and respect the other fans.

Portugal will win 15 – 0 !!!

Shuai: Choucroute is a cooking speciality from Alsace(France)
But I will get a lot of weissbier and chianti in my fridge for Sunday !

Hey guys, great post!
For the upcoming Fr-Porto, I am worried about the referee, he officiated US-Italy, and if you remember, he was a trigger-happy type of referee, I am afraid he will give yellows and red(s), and ultimately kill the game like he did with US-Italy…that would be too bad!

Apolgies from a knowledgeable Canadian to the majority of the French fans who are showing their class on this blog and to the Portuguese fans who have had to endure the trolls from Canada and US.

Let me say that the media coverage on ABC/ESPN has been absolutely shamefull and to a lesser extent here in Canada on TSN. So many of these ignorants are swayed by terrible media and well some are just sour, negative people.

It will be either Figo’s or Zidane’s last important match (3rd yeah yeah whatever), lets hope they show the world a jogo bonito!

Joga Bonito Portugal + France!

I think that Zidane and Figo will play the match of their lives.

I hope that both of them change shirts and that they be applauded by all the people on their feet after A Great Match

Thank you OGrandeTrinco

This will be a great game I am sure. Zizou and Figo are good friends, i think that will count for the spirit of the game.

Respect to all!

And to the Portuguese fans who have had to endure the trolls from Canada and US, you are welcome here

Well one more thing, I saw some nice comments from people of US, Canada and many others countries here, that’s nice. let’s keep it that way

The stage is nearly set for a World Cup final that I believe will bring the two best coaches on the national side stage together this Sunday, Lippi and Scolari. It is no accident that these two will probably meet, although the Italians clearly had some help from the ref against Australia (but may have won anyway).

Lippi is going with essentially the same kind of set he did when he was Juve’s boss in the 90s, placing Totti behind his strike force for service (something Ericsson could have learned when he isolated poor Rooney up front the other day) as well as a green light to penetrate and shoot anytime he likes. I expect Lippi will stay with that 4-4-1-1 in the final and Camoranesi will remain very active on the wings, aided by Pirlo coming forward as needed (not something Trappy would have been familiar with in 2002); Gattuso won’t come forward, as he is a defending midfielder exclusively. Gilardino and Del Piero will again probably be wisely held in reserve for late-strike energy and a shootout (if necessary) while the point man for much of the contest will be hard-working Toni, who can present a lot of problems even to a defense as staunch as Portugal’s. Cannavaro is the defender of the Cup so far, and Zambrotta, Zaccardo and if available, Nesta, along with Buffon, are incredibly tough to score on, especially if they jump out on top.

I don’t want to break down in much detail what I think Portugal might do for a theoretical match, but although Scolari can be remarkably flexible in his alignments, he does like that 4-2-3-1 with wingers Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo supporting Pauleta. Costinha returns, and if he behaves himself tonight, he and Maniche will have holding duties but may will be able to move forward on occasion while Deco directs matters on both sides of the center stripe. With decent protection of their formidable back four and the continued performance of the tournament’s best keeper Ricardo, Portugal will be as stingy as Italy with goals. I look for Portugal to claim a 1-0 win tonight, and it might not any different on Sunday against Italy.

Dave hamildav@yahoo.com

The french were obviouly better than portugal, but if anyone dived in the game were the french, and the comments thay said before the game in interviews only show the poorness that france have when it comes to education and respect. I can now see why they are considered the less clean people first world countries.
Any way, best of luck for the french…..and remember italy its not portugal….they have a litle somenthing called “mafia” so your are not going to have the same luck with the referees!!!!!!

I LOVE FRENCH GUYS
ZIDANE SO HOT
THANK YOU LES BLEUX