The Germans present in the crowd joyously chanted "Ohne England fahrn wir nach Berlin! (We're going to Berlin without England)" that night. I couldn't help joining in either. It meant that the English fans wouldn't clash with In Fact, Ah in Munich. Whatever is it about our Irish schadenfreude for the English? It's not a hatred that stirs for the current lot, rather those history lessons from 5th class. It's hardwired.

Back to that night in Frankfurt. The only distraction to shatter the noise from the boisterous French was the occasional Ryanair flight that flew conveniently overhead. One can only imagine that, presented with the flight controls, football appreciators without tickets would make the most of the opportunity to sneak a glimpse by flying over a World Cup quarter final match up between Brazil and France. The Brazilians were strangely subdued, perhaps worrying about their team's unconvincing play throughout the tournament.

Brazil start well. Ronaldo sporting bright yellow boots heads over the bar. He cuts a large figure in front of where we sit behind Barthez's goal. France gain momentum while Brazil lose all shape. The first half drags like fat Ronnie's gluteus maximus.

Before half time, Zizou cuts across the French midfield to place the ball in front of Viera who makes a surge towards the Brazilian goal. Cynically chopped down, the crowd howls for a red card. Only a yellow is brandish to Juan and the resulting free kick is wasted.

One of the In Fact, Ah representatives falls asleep during the first half. Who can blame him or the litres of beer he has consumed in the past few hours?

Second half and the French are dominating, almost mocking the Brazilians as they retain possession. Zidane dances and flicks while thrilling the crowd with his Pro Evolution 360 degree swivels. The deadlock is broken by Henry who sneaks in at the back post to fire them deservingly ahead.

Ronaldinho can only muster a few cameos and France's passing is slick to say the least. In contrast, Zidane's touch and passing is a terrible thing of beauty to witness. We felt privileged to have been able to come to the Waldstadion to see this man as he reached his zenith.

The game ends and the French are uproarious. One of the great individual performances of recent World Cups has just been played out in front of our eyes.

tags:zizou

Published by Colm.