Word: midfield
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...seemed bored by the event?until, that is, France beat Italy to arrive in the semifinals. Perhaps the nation was merely expecting inevitable disappointment, as had befallen the superb French team of 1986. But the 1998 ?quipe de France proved unbeatably special. A defense without a chink, and a midfield without peer, led by the incomparable Zinedine Zidane...
...favorites to win. But an almost desperate Argentine team figures to challenge, as does Brazil, eager to avenge its 3-0 humiliation by France in '98. Among the Europeans, Italy's rejuvenated attack makes them a threat. But the smarter bet may be Portugal?brilliant in midfield, and efficient enough elsewhere to stand a real chance of reaching the final four. As for the Eastern Europeans: Croatia's too old; Slovenia's too young; Poland's come on too fast; and Russia's too hard to figure. Meanwhile, Asian fans can expect a rough?and most likely short?ride...
...Forget the Falklands War. England's grudge against Argentina runs much deeper. First, Argentina knocked England out of the Cup in 1986 when Diego Maradona shoved the ball into the goal with what he modestly called "the hand of God." Then, in 1998, Argentina defeated England again after midfield star David Beckham was sent off for a dumb but arguably minor foul. This time, wonder boy Beckham is again the story. Six weeks ago, Deportivo La Coru?a's Argentine midfielder Aldo Duscher felled Beckham in a game against Manchester United, breaking a bone in the Englishman's foot. Nonetheless, Beckham...
...will play behind the front runners?that is, when he isn't driving defenses crazy by himself. The Italian defense will again be superb, providing a combination lock of skill and experience that will be hard to pick. If there's any weakness it's in the four-man midfield, where imagination is sadly lacking...
...class of this group is clearly Portugal?a side ready to retake its place at the top of the game. As midfielder Luis Figo points out, the core of the team has played together since their under-19 days. And following Portugal's controversial exit against France in Euro 2000, they are aching to prove they are as good as the French. Portugal has a case. The midfield tandem of scary-fast Figo and cunning Rui Costa is as powerful a combo as any in the game. Although perfectly able to score themselves, each can also dish with pleasure...