Sport | Football
Lilian Thuram
Lilian Thuram seems to save his best for the World Cup semifinals. Thuram produced a superb performance at the heart of France's defence in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Portugal, eight years after scoring twice to lead France to a 2-1 win over Croatia.
- AP
- Published: 00:00 July 7, 2006
Lilian Thuram seems to save his best for the World Cup semifinals. Thuram produced a superb performance at the heart of France's defence in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Portugal, eight years after scoring twice to lead France to a 2-1 win over Croatia.
"It's my second final, I have to admit it's unimaginable," Thuram said. "The World Cup final remains a childhood dream. It's something crazy."
Thuram was the most surprised by his performance, especially since he never thought he'd play for France again after retiring from international soccer following France's quarterfinal exit to Greece at the 2004 European Championship.
Much of the credit for Thuram's show must go down to coach Raymond Domenech, who insisted Thuram return to the team in August 2005. Now he'll play against Italy on Sunday in the World Cup final.
"I was not supposed to be here. I refused to come back to the France team," Thuram said. "The coach picked me against my will. I tell myself that football is incredible."
Already the French appearance record-holder with 120 caps, Thuram is on the verge of another winners medal after helping Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship. Winning almost every header, closing down Pauleta, and leading the backline with authority, Thuram drew praise from teammates.
"We saw an incredible defensive performance tonight," France midfielder Patrick Vieira said. "When you see Thuram playing like that you feel you're indestructible."
France's defence was the backbone of its 1998 title, when Les Bleus conceded only two goals. Ahead of Sunday's final against Italy, France has allowed only two, and much of that is down to Thuram's increasingly assured understanding with centrehalf William Gallas.
Thuram said they will both need to stay strong against an Italian team featuring several of Thuram's Juventus teammates.
"Unfortunately, I know these players, and I know they are very strong," Thuram said. "It will be a very tough match against Italy, which is probably the best team in the tournament. At the start of the competition, I thought they would go very far."
Share this article
More from Football
More from Sport
Popular in Sport
-
Golf
Realistic hope
Briton, on verge of turning 29, is among the fancied four for title
Sport Editor's choice
-
Westwood dazzles on the Earth
Briton takes two-shot lead to move closer to title as McIlroy swept away in windy conditions
-
Action from the Beach Soccer World Cup
The 2009 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup opens at the Umm Suqueim Beach in Jumeirah
-
UAE stages Asia Cup Twenty20
Three teams to qualify for Asian Games from this event Top three will join India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and China for 2010 Asian Games
