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And the winner will be...
My head says Brazil, my heart says France
Posted: Friday July 10, 1998 11:27 AM
PARIS (CNN/SI) -- France against
Brazil.
Europe versus South America. Hope against indomitable belief.
As the countdown to the first ever World Cup Final between a defending
champion and host nation gathers pace, the question being posed here in
Paris is whether the raw enthusiasm and national fervor that's propelled
France to its first Final, can overcome the sheer self-confidence, if not
arrogance, of a nation that's seen and done it all before.
Six time finalist, Brazil, which has lifted the trophy in four of the last
ten World Cups, has lost just once in a final, way back in 1950, when they
were upset by Uraguay. Since then their record is impeccable. Four finals,
four wins.
What Brazil's World Cup triumphs also created, besides the need for a
bigger trophy cabinet, is an aura of invincibility. And, on occasions, that
has almost been worth a goal start.
Granted the aura has looked a little tainted round the edges at times.
Indeed, besides losing to Norway in their
final group game, they were later accused by Dutch coach, Guus Hiddink, of
forsaking their normally flamboyant attacking game for a more dour style,
geared for victory not entertainment.
But the fact remains, taking on the Brazilians is a challenge that every
team regards as daunting and special.
Contrast that with France, and in truth there is no comparison. The French
enter the final, for the first time after 68 years of trying, fueled
largely by national fervor. Yes they scored goals early in the competition.
But against lesser lights, such as Saudi
Arabia and South
Africa, some say they merely flattered to deceive, and look eminently
beatable.
Whatever the reality, the fact remains that they've found goals hard to
come by, needing previously goal-less defender, Lilian Thuram, to hit two
in the semifinal to take them past Croatia.
Granted, their lack of success in attack is partially offset by a Brazilian
defense prone to dreadful lapses of discipline. The disastrous overhead
kick from fullback, Roberto Carlos, in the quarterfinal with Demark, that
gifted a goal to Brian Laudrup, was a case in point. However Laudrup made
them suffer with a crisp strike. The French, despite a plethora of players
technically capable of doing the job, have not been so lethal.
Home advantage of course can't be underestimated. France has rallied behind
its team with the kind of passion no one thought possible at this World
Cup. However Brazil has weathered that kind of storm before. As the only
team to win the cup on a different continent, back in 1958, when Pele
steered them to the crown in Sweden. A hostile reception at the Stade de
France on Sunday will therefore cause them little lost sleep.
No, it's a fact that in the upcoming final the head definitely points to a
Brazilian victory. But then on second thoughts, this IS the city of
romance. So I think I'll go with the heart -- France as the new World
Champions.
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