France have stunned Brazil with a 1-0 World Cup quarter-final win in Frankfurt in Saturday to book a semi-final against Portugal for July 5th. Thierry Henry converted a Zindedine Zidane free-kick at the far post on 57 minutes and despite their endeavours a disappointing Brazil could not score.

France were the better side, Brazil struggling to create clear-cut opportunities and lacking their usual joy on the pitch, Ronaldinho largely anonymous and Ronaldo sluggish throughout.

Opting to start with Adriano on the bench and Ronaldinho playing off lone striker Ronaldo, Brazil relied heavily on runs from midfield which were comfortably nullified by the increasingly impressive pairing of Patrick Vieira and Claude Makélélé.

Brazil struggled to find a natural rhythm throughout the match, out-fought in almost every individual battle by a France who were efficient with their passing and fluid on the counter-attack.

France could and should have scored more goals, Patrick Vieira sending a free-header wide just after half-time and Franck Ribéry unlucky twice, first foiled by a Juan deflection sending his near-post bound effort wide, secondly by an alert Dida rushing out to block his finish when set free by Henry.

Henry had his best game of the tournament so far, as while he still looked uncomfortable in the lone striker's role he foraged the wings and held up the ball in a manner familiar to supporters of his club side Arsenal.

His goal had a hint of offside about it, three or four France players seeming to be marginal at best when Zidane sent a perfect free-kick from the left to Henry at the far post, whose first-time volley threatened to burst the roof of the net.

GENIUS LIVES ON

Zidane was the real star though, revelling in the hype surrounding first Spain and then Brazil's threats to retire the 34-year-old early. In what is his last tournament as a professional footballer, Zidane has responded to the critics with two excellent performances, beating men and spreading the play almost at will with more than a flash of genius.

France continued to threaten towards the final whistle, and while Brazil came on strong in the last ten minutes they always controlled the game and almost grabbed another at the death, clean through twice but substitutes Louis Saha and Sylvain Wiltord unable to finish.

France now face Portugal - who beat ten-man England on penalties - in the second semi-final on Wednesday 5th July.

Man of the match: Zinedine Zidane (FRA) - one of his best performances in a France shirt in six years.