Encore

France, Brazil looking for 1998 World Cup final repeat

PARIS (Reuters) -- If the Confederations Cup, which kicks off Wednesday, follows the script, host France and world champion Brazil will meet at the Stade de France on June 29 in a repeat of the 1998 World Cup final.

European champion France knows only too well, however, things are rarely that simple.

As defending world champion it was eliminated in the first round of last year's World Cup finals and it will not take anything for granted in a tournament which also includes continental champions Japan, New Zealand, United States, Colombia and Cameroon and Turkey standing for Europe.

Since its shock early exit from the World Cup in South Korea/Japan, French coach Jacques Santini has worked hard to rebuild morale and soothe the psychological trauma.

He has brought some young blood into a side many considered past its best after clinching three titles -- World Cup, European championship and Confederations Cup -- in a row from 1998 to 2001.

Santini has made it clear he wants to win the tournament, which many club coaches have accused of being a waste of time and a risk to players at the end of a tiring season.

Perfect chance

With its place in Euro 2004 virtually guaranteed, the Confederations Cup gives Santini the perfect chance to test his squad before it defends its European crown in Portugal.

It will also be a chance for some of the fringe squad members to stake their claims in the absence of inspirational playmaker Zinedine Zidane and influential midfielder Claude Makelele -- both excused to concentrate on Real Madrid's battle for the Spanish title.

France will also be without midfielders Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit and striker David Trezeguet, all injured.

Real Madrid's Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos will both be absent for Brazil, with Ronaldo's number nine shirt going to Parma's Adriano, while Sao Paulo's Ricardinho gets the chance to shine in place of AC Milan's Rivaldo.

With Ronaldo and Rivaldo not playing, Brazil will look to Paris St Germain playmaker Ronaldinho for inspiration.

France and Brazil are the obvious favorites, but they will not underestimate Turkey, which finished third at the 2002 World Cup, or the United States, surprising quarterfinalists.

New Zealand will be looking to win its first match in the Confederations Cup after losing all its games in its previous appearance in 1999.

Japan, now coached by former Brazilian star Zico, kicks off the tournament on Wednesday against New Zealand in Paris.

But all eyes will be on France later that evening when it takes on the talented Colombians in Lyon.

Group B gets under way on Thursday when Turkey faces the United States and Brazil meets Cameroon.

 

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