"The big man's back in town" .........

You could not write a better script, days before his retirement, in front of a watching world, Zinadine Zidane has returned to form and reminded us all of his unique and immense talent.

This all looked highly improbable two weeks ago, coming off a poor season, he looked a shadow of his former self in the opening games. However, since returning from suspension, his towering presence has spearheaded a French resurgence.

Win or lose from now on, it has been a pleasure to see him play with a smile upon his face. Helped in no small part by Patrick Vieira, who has simultaneously rediscovered his best, they have seen off Spain and Brazil, teams with previously unblemished records.

The turnaround in form is remarkable, the French having gone from no hopers, to world beaters, seemingly overnight. Maybe they suddenly realised that this was it, for many of them this could be the last big tournament, certainly the last World Cup, better to go out with a bang, than a whimper.

Now they face Portugal, who will have Deco and Costinha back from suspension, which will strengthen the midfield, where the match is likely to be decided. The Portugese struggled to create much against the ten men of England, but have more options with Deco pulling the strings. Suspect another negative approach from Portugal, Big Phil is happy to "win ugly", sure that both teams will start cautiously, in fact I will be surprised if the scores are not level at half time. For the sake of the game, it will be better if the French score first, otherwise it will be 10 men behind the ball and hold on.

Think Les Bleus can do enough to win the game in the second half, most of their players are now playing at the top of their game, I like Franck Ribery to score the winner, he is showing why the French public were clamouring for his inclusion.

If you can find "evens" or better on the half time draw, I suggest you take it, cannot see any other outcome, unless something freaky happens in the first 5 minutes. We will have half the players on the pitch, one yellow card away from missing the final and that will also play on their minds in the opening stages. I am going to hunt around for the best price later, for now I will take France and a ht/ft wager.

3 points France -1/2 2.27 asian line
1 point Draw ht-France ft 5.50 betfair

Good luck.