An intriguing match in which no quarter was given nor asked saw both sides start cautiously. Both attempted to stifle their oppositions strengths i.e. Figo and Zidane, which consequently lead to a messy encounter at times.
Nuno Gomes reacted fastest to a defensive Gallic error to score a brilliant goal which was then erased by a fine Henry strike with the Keeper unsighted early in the second half.
With no more goals the extra-time was imminent and to be fair both teams had a go during that period, but with only five minutes to go to the shoot-out, Abel Xavier, definitely handled the ball in the box, leaving Zinedine Zidane to deliver the ultimate punishment to the Portugese, and send the delirious French into the Final.
