Short Corner 8212; Chandigarh

Lilian Thuram powers France into finalWho needs strikers. Defender Lilian Thuram fired France into the World Cup final for the first time in...

Lilian Thuram powers France into final
Who needs strikers. Defender Lilian Thuram fired France into the World Cup final for the first time in their history yesterday with two goals in a come-from-behind 2-1 win over outsider Croatia. 8220;This is fabulous,8221; Thuram said. 8220;I don8217;t even score during training.8221; In a second half for the history books, France ended their World Cup semifinal jinx on their fourth attempt and became the first host nation in 20 years to reach the final where they face defending titlists Brazil on Sunday.

Croats miss bus
They tried to keep their heads high. Yet, as Croatian players came out of the locker room, there was a look of deep disappointment in their eyes. Croatia let a 1-0 lead slip away and crashed out of the World Cup semifinal with a 2-1 defeat against host France yesterday. Instead of playing the final against Brazil on Sunday, the World Cup rookies will contest the third-place match against the Netherlands on Saturday.

Peter Shilton says
I watched the semi-final between France and Croatia in Paris and believe me the hosts are becoming more and more passionate about this World Cup. When Lian Thuram equalised within seconds of Croatia taking the lead, you could sense the whole country just willing them on to victory.

Peas in quarters
Leander Paes and Italy8217;s Lawrence Tieleman each upset seeded Australians on a bad Wednesday for favourities at the rain-halted Hall of Fame Championships. Paes beat Queen8217;s champion Scott Draper 7-5, 6-4 while Italy8217;s Lawrence Tieleman ousted second-seed Mark Woodforde 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, in second-round matches at the 275,000 event.

Carlos happy
Ze Carlos, who was selling water melons and fixing cars a year ago, is happy to miss the World Cup final on Sunday. 8220;I did what was asked of me. I am proud to have worn my country8217;s colours but I know I have to step aside for a better man,8221; he said. On Tuesday, the 29-year-old, who postponed his marriage to come to the World Cup, had made his international debut as right-back for Brazil in their semi-final against Holland in Marseille.