A Ticket to Final Awarded by Referee... 由裁判赠送的决赛权

Until now, almost 10 hours after the match, I still couldn't believe that France had advanced to Final with a debatable penalty given by the South American Referee. One forward went to the ground eyeing to goal under one defender's challenge, both fell on the penalty box concurrently, both with their legs extended for the ball and for the fall, one forward being smart enough to 'run towards' the defender and being 'tackled', one referee with his eyes 'witnessing' the moment from his angle, one foul given to the defender, one penalty awarded to the forward... and, one goal being made by one Midfielder who claimed his last World Cup this season. What a moment of 'hurrah' or 'damn' that promised the seat to 2006 World Cup Final, don't think this would impress most of the fans.

Both team played the games very well, with Portugal holding better position in ball possession and goalscoring chances. Great defence wall by French was challenged few times by Portuguese, however, with no luck on Portugal side, all the attempts ended with great sigh of disappointment. France on the other end, leveraging on their magnificent international appearance and experiences, played in their own style, with their impeccable defensing moves, dispossessing Portugal's goalscoring opportunities that could lead the games to extra time. It is undoubtful that few shot attempts by French that had nearly shaken Portuguese defensing form, had again pronounced the players scoring ability. A even game by both team, which shouldn't be destined by a penalty.

Portugal's destiny was almost defined 12-minute before to game, when their captain, their symbol - Figo, headed over with the goal, resulting from Cristiano Ronaldo's long-range-fine-free-kick. Continuous challenge was forced by Portuguese from their 2 wings and crosses as time ticked away to complete the 90min games, had only pressured French to strengthen and hold out with their defence force. No single luck was granted to this small country despite their thrilling performance at World Cup stage.

There is one thing about football match at this kick-out round - winner or loser, enjoying the good fortune as hero or leaving as villain where you could either come back to shine on the stage 4 years later, or bit the international field a big goodbye like Figo, in vain.