Sat 1st Jul 2006

Thierry Henry was France's goal hero as they beat Brazil 1-0 to reach the World Cup semi-finals - but it was Zinedine Zidane who inspired them.

The world champions followed England in departing the Germany showpiece, and it was Henry who sent them packing when he volleyed home Zidane's cross at the far post on 57 minutes.

Brazil had created the first clear-cut chance of the game, with Ronaldo heading Ronaldinho's cross over the bar on 11 minutes.

But after Franck Ribery fired a half-volley high and wide, France took charge with Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira's midfield dominance giving Zidane the freedom to run the show in awesome fashion.

Brazil still looked dangerous as they chased the game and Ronaldo's cross only just evaded the lurking Kaka in the box.

But France ended the half on top, with Juan scything down Vieira after a glorious Zidane throughball and Henry's resultant free-kick hitting Ronaldo's hand as he stood in the wall.

After the break Les Bleus' control became total domination and after Henry had a goal ruled out for offside on 53 minutes, he broke the deadlock four minutes later with a clinical right-footed volley.

Substitute Robinho then fired wide and Fabien Barthez saved well from Ronaldo before Ze Roberto stabbed a shot wide of the upright late on.

But Raymond Domenech's troops hung on for a victory which set up a last-four clash with Portugal in Munich on Wednesday.