Zidane: The adventure continues

Zidane: The adventure continues

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Tuesday, 27, Jun 2006 11:44

Zinedine Zidane clearly revelled in reprising his role as the chief orchestrator of France's attacking threat on the world stage as they saw off Spain in the final second round match of the World Cup.

The French playmaker rolled back the years as he pulled the strings on a night he hailed as "a celebration" and declared "the adventure continues".

"We wanted to accomplish something and show the people we had the qualities, even if in our group it was difficult," the France captain said as he left the pitch on a dramatic night in Hanover.

The Madrid maestro, who came out of retirement to assist the French push for a second world title in eight years, scored the final goal in a 3-1 win over Spain in Hanover.

"It was a remarkable match," added proud France coach Raymond Domenech. "We may have a team of old men but we know how to be patient."

Domenech said it was Spain's inexperience that had ultimately cost them dearly: "Younger people run out of breath," he said.

However, Spain coach Luis Aragones was left to rue "a refereeing error" that he felt had knocked his young charges out of the World Cup.

"I think their second goal came from a free kick that wasn't a foul and we were punished," he complained.

Despite the painful defeat, Aragones was quick to praise his players' effort and commitment, adding: "When players give everything you can't ask any more of them.

"They are still very young and will have another chance in the future."

Aragones is sure to face a hefty backlash from the Spanish media following another disappointing performance at the sharp end of what had promised to be a watershed tournament for the electric Spaniards.

After an opening 4-0 triumph over quarter-finalists Ukraine, Spain have tumbled out early on the biggest stage yet again after flattering to deceive in the early rounds.