Those who lived it necessarily remember what they were doing on July 12, 1998. It was that day that the French team won its first World Cup, after a dream final against Brazil (3-0). A match that saw Zinedine Zidane appear twice on a corner, from the head, to allow the Blues to lead 2-0 at halftime, before Emmanuel Petit ended the work at the very end of the game.
Winner of his only Ballon d'Or that year, “Zizou” was touched by grace against the Seleçao. However, he was not the best tricolor player during this competition. It is in any case the opinion of Robert Pirès, who had been selected in the list of 22 by Aimé Jacquet but had to be satisfied with a lining role. For him, it was especially Youri Djorkaeff who had the keys to the attack of the Blues during this World Cup.
“Djorkaeff was very good, Zidane no”
“People did not believe in us too much but the goal was to win. Did I believe in it? No, not really. Because the favorite was Brazil. They had a crazy teamhe recalls in the podcast Kampo
Hosted by Smaïl Bouabdellah. After us, collectively and defensively, we were very strong. And for me, Youri (Djorkaeff) was very good, Zizou no. I'm sorry Zizou, but no. I look at you, no. »»
“No, but it's true!continues the former international left winger (79 selections, 14 goals), now 51 years old. Zizou, he arrived just for the final, God said to him, 'You're going to come there'. Let's go from there. Afterwards, we cannot discuss the qualities, but on this 1998 World Cup, the strong man offensively, it was Youri. He was solid in the game. “ The “snake” had marked a penalty and issued three assists.
