France's captain Zinedine Zidane, who scored one of his team's goals in yesterday's 3-1 win over Spain. - REUTERS
hanover (reuters)
FRANCE PLAYMAKER ZINEDINE Zidane said the 1998 winners had confounded their doubters after defeating Spain 3-1 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals yesterday.
"It was a celebration today. The Spanish made it very difficult for us," said the 34-year-old, who will be retiring after the finals.
"Retirement? I'm sorry to tell them (the Spaniards) that it won't be after this match. The adventure continues. We are all delighted to go through. We demonstrated that we have a strong group who wants to go a long way.
DOMENECH SALUTES 'OLD MEN'
"We wanted to accomplish something and show the people that we had the qualities even if in the group stage there were difficult matches."
France now play holders Brazil in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Frankfurt, a repeat of the 1998 final in which Zidane scored twice in a 3-0 French win.
"France versus Brazil, that's a nice memory. We're all very happy," added Zidane.
France coach Raymond Domenech saluted his team of 'old men' after they recovered from going behind to David Villa's 28th-minute penalty, hitting back with goals from Franck Ribery, Patrick Vieira and Zidane.
"It was very tough for the players. It was a remarkable match in every way. We may have a team of old men but we know how to be patient," said Domenech, who faced negative headlines during the group stage in which France drew with Switzerland and South Korea before reaching the last 16 by beating Togo.
"Younger people run out of breath. There's something exceptional waiting for us, unique emotions."
Spain coach Luis Aragones tried to look on the bright side.
"Everyone did everything they could. We have a lot of young players and they still have a lot to learn," he said.
"Football is unjust sometimes, but not always. France were very tough opponents.
"When players give everything you can't ask any more of them. They are still very young and will have another chance in the future."
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas was less philosophical, saying Spain had not deserved to lose.
"We were so close. It was undeserved, an undeserved defeat," he said. "But that's football, we're heading home and there's nothing we can do about it."
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