Staging the World Cup for the second time, France reached their first Final, against four-time champions and hot favourites Brazil no less. Denied the services of the suspended Laurent Blanc, Les Bleus could have been forgiven for feeling apprehensive, especially with the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu, Bebeto and Roberto Carlos lining up against them. Nevertheless, coach Aime Jacquet won the tactical battle against opposite number Mario Zagallo, and Zinedine Zidane was at his imperious best. Thanks to his brace and a late goal from Emmanuel Petit – when they were down to ten men – Les Bleus finally achieved their moment of glory.