Those who lived it could not forget what they were doing on July 12, 1998. 27 years ago today, the French team raised the first World Cup in its history, after a magical final against Brazil (3-0). A meeting that saw Zinedine Zidane appear twice on a corner, from the head, to allow the Blues to lead 2-0 at the break, before Emmanuel Petit did Ronaldo and the Seleçao at the very end of the match.
The Blues before the France-Brazil final, July 12, 1998.
Winner of his only Ballon d'Or that year, “Zizou” was touched by grace against the Brazilians. 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 AimĂ© Jacquet but had to be satisfied with a lining role. For him, it is especially Youri Djorkaeff who had the keys to the attack of the Blues during this World Cup at home.
“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.
