France 3-1 Spain

Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane put France into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with two late goals in a 3-1 victory over Spain on Tuesday.

David Villa had given Spain the lead with a penalty in the 28th minute after Lilian Thuram brought down Pablo Ibanez in the area. But Franck Ribery equalised for France in the 41st minute, racing on to a Vieira pass and rounding keeper Iker Casillas to score.

In the 83rd minute, Vieira headed in at the far post in the 83rd minute after a free kick had been deflected towards his own goal by Spain's Xabi Alonso. Vieira's header flicked off Spain's Sergio Ramos on its way into the net. In stoppage time, Zidane finished things off in style by beating goalkeeper Iker Casillas after a swift counterattack.

Soccer Pundit feels that class and experience came out tops in this encounter over youth and pace. The Spaniards lacked an inspirational leader on the pitch to control the match and turn it around when things are not going their way. Cesc Fabregas and Torres, two young players who were outstanding in the group stages, were subdued by the French team who have peaked at the right time and are now showing their championship form of 1998.

All is not lost as this is a young Spanish team and the players have many more good years ahead of them. Take it as an experience learnt and if their best midfielders can blossom in the next 4 years, they should be back with a stronger team. Meanwhile, their label of being chokers still stuck.

For France, the great Zidane has answered his critics with a commendable performance. Soccer Pundit feels that this is still not his best as he is capable of more in his prime, but even 70% of his former self is even to see off Spain. He will need to be back to his best against the world champions, Brazil, to lead France to glory once again. The goal he scored will have done much to restore his confidence and maybe increase his appetite for more.

Patrick Vieira, for the second match running, is again the man to show France the way ahead. He is another vital cog in the French team and though he does not possess the sublime skills of Zidane, he has the leadership quality and the winner's mentality. The team will look forward to his solid performances in subsequent matches. Frank Ribery is another promising star on the way up, it will not be a surprise if the major clubs come lining up to get his signature after the World Cup.

The only disappointment in the French team is Henry who was caught offside several times, something which is not acceptable for a player of his calibre. He may be unhappy at being outshone by the upstart Frank Ribery who is proving to be as good as what he can do on his day. Soccer Pundit thinks they are almost on par but so far, Ribery is on top for his consistency...