Two Late Goals Move France into Quarterfinal Against Brazil

Both France and Spain were convinced any mistake would send the opposing team in to the quarter-finals against Brazil, and they were right.

France had promised to show their true skill after making heavy weather of her opening group matches and they kept their word as Raymond Domenech's ageing side produced their prettiest soccer since arriving in Germany at the end of each half.

But it was Spain who went ahead in the 26th minute after France defender Lilian Thuram tackled Pablo Ibanez from behind, stepping on the Atletico Madrid defender's ankle just as the Spaniard was trying to get out of the penalty area. David Villa stepping up to slot the ball low and left past Fabien Barthez.

France's Frank Ribery then showed why he's called the next Zinedine Zidane as he drew France back level in the 41st minute as he latched onto a through ball from Patrick Vieira, beat off two Spanish defenders, sidestepped the onrushing Casillas and fired into an empty goal.

Zidane steps up to fill his own shoes

The only goal of the second half would also be the result of sloppy play -- this time on Spain's part as Carlos Puyol threw an unnecessary elbow into Thierry Henry to allow Zidane to line up a dangerous free kick three minutes from time.

The French maestro struck the ball into the box where Xabi Alonso flicked the ball on to Patrick Vieira who was able to head it past Spanish keeper Iker Casillas with the assistance of an untended deflection off defender Sergio Ramos.

The Spanish pushed forward for an equalizer as the clock ran down but were punished by Zidane, who showed he still has enough fight in him to warrant coming out of retirement by sending a low shot into the back of the net to put the game on ice in stoppage time and keep Spain from dropping their reputation for disappointing on the world stage.

France's date with Brazil is a repeat of the 1998 World Cup final which France won't need reminding they won 3-0.