January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Brazil should punch semi-final ticket
Saturday at 4pm
Live on ZFB 7
A repeat of the '98 final this may be, but few are expecting a repeat of the 3-0 scoreline in favour of the French.
Brazil are still easing through the gears as they approach their first major challenge of the tournament while the French went from nought to 60 in a flash to come good against Spain.
With Franck Ribery and Zinedine Zidane starting to find their form France have plenty of creativity in midfield. All they need now is for Thierry Henry to wake up and then Brazil might really be worried.
A word for the French defence, also, who have kept it pretty tight. Fears that they are susceptible to pace and movement may well be confirmed on Saturday evening though.
Brazil improved dramatically in the second half against Ghana and Japan but their flair players haven't really hit top form.
The likes of Ronaldinho and Adriano will surely rise to the occasion on Saturday. If not, Robinho, Juninho et al are waiting in the wings. France have improved since the opening games, but not enough to take Brazil.
Injury Report: Kaka, Emerson and Robinho are all slight doubts for Brazil with some reports suggesting Juninho and Gilberto Silva will start. Zidane took a knock in training but is expected to play for France.
Top Scorers: France: Vieira (2), Henry (2); Brasil: Ronaldo (3)
Key men: Ribery (Fra) Ze Roberto (Bra)
Head-to-head: Played 12, Brazil wins 5, France wins 3, Draws 4
World Cup Form Guide: Brazil: WWWW, France: DDWW
Sea Horses Odds: Brazil 2/5, France 15/8
BDA Sun prediction: Brazil 2 France 1[[In-content Ad]]
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