Not a two man show

Brazil’s reserve attacking midfielder Juninho Pernambucano has insisted there is more to his side’s quarter final match with France than a two-man show starring Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.

Juninho Pernambucano (r) in action against Ghana

“It is not the Zidane-Ronaldo match, it is France-Brazil,” said Juninho.

However, the 31 year old Brazilian, who started in Brazil’s group stage match against Japan and also came on as a substitute against Ghana in the second round, paid tribute to the French captain ahead of the match in Frankfurt on Saturday.

“Zidane has announced he is retiring, which is a shame,” the Olympique Lyon player said.

“He is a player we must follow closely. It is imperative that someone closes him down when he has the ball. He is capable of  making the difference either on his own or in finding a striker.”

The diminutive playmaker, who may get a start for Brazil against the French due to AC Milan midfielder Kaka’s niggling ankle injury, may line up against his Lyon team mates in defender Eric Abidal, midfielder Florent Malouda, and striker Sylvain Wiltord.

Juninho suggested what the reactions of the two teams may be like should they reach the semi finals.

“For France at the moment it would be a huge result to be in the last four whereas for Brazil it would be an under-achievement.”

Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies