Photo of French football captain Zinedine Zidane, known as "Zizou."
Much ado in France this weekend, as World Cup fever has seemingly engulfed the country. As anybody who's been near a television screen or newspaper knows, France faces Italy in the World Cup Final Sunday in Germany.
The French team, fairly confident after defeating the powerhouse team Brazil and a semi-final win over Portugal, hopes to triumph.
Much of France is talking of what a fitting international career cap it would be for their retiring captain Zinedine Zidane.
The French won the 1998 World Cup on home soil, but followed that victory with a poor showing in 2002.
On Saturday, French tennis champion Amelie Mauresmo will meet the Belgian player Justine Henin-Hardenne in the Women's Final at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in Wimbledon, England. Following her semi-final defeat of the Russian Maria Sharapova, Mauresmo said she expects a tough match against Henin-Hardenne. American Venus Williams defeated her fellow American Lindsay Davenport to claim the Women's Wimbledon title in 2005. This year, no American players reached the semi-finals.
Update July 8 - Amelie Mauresmo clinched the Wimbledon title, defeating Justine Henin-Hardenne 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling match.
Meanwhile, the Tour de France sans Lance continues, with the American George Hincapie in third place overall, behind Australia's Michael Rogers and Belgium's Tom Boonen in the yellow jersey. Friday's Stage six extends 189km over flat country from Lisieux to Vitre in Northern France. Floyd Landis of the USA is in ninth place overall.
Closer to home - right across the street, in fact - the annual Solidays music festival is underway. Stages are erected on the grounds of the Hippodrome de Longchamp in the Bois du Boulogne. Highlights include music by the French group Tryo, the Dandy Warhols and Keane.
The music continues until around 3 a.m. through Sunday. As you might expect, neighbourhood residents won't be getting much sleep. The participating bands were performing "sound checks" until after 2 a.m. Friday. The Bois is filling up with music enthusiasts bringing sleeping bags, camping gear and tents for the weekend's duration. Sadly for them, it's starting to rain!
While I was fully behind Amelie at Wimbledon I have to say I'm for an Italy win on Sunday (don't shout!). Number one son is cheering for France so there'll be some (good natured) tension chez BB...
Posted by: bb | 08 July 2006 at 21:22
HUP FRANKRIJK, HUP!
(translation: Go France, Go! (an "altered" Dutch voetbal cheer)..hee hee)
:-)))
Posted by: Finn & Sacha (and Judy) | 08 July 2006 at 01:35
Oh, I just had to say that I LOVE Tryo!!!!!!!!!
I also love Orixas. Are you familiar with the group? The are Cuban exiles that are, I believe, in Paris. They have a wonderful blend of traditional Cuban music and hip-hop.
Good luck with the computer situation.
Posted by: Ali | 07 July 2006 at 20:58
Years ago when France won the World Cup against Brazil, and what an electrifing match it was, France went WILD!! The whole country went on the streets until the wee hours, cheering, dancing, partying, it was MAGICAL!! ALLEZ FRANCE!! Here is my wish for another victory!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 07 July 2006 at 17:23
Umm, is it wrong that the blood on that guys shirt makes him even hotter to me??
:)
Posted by: amber | 07 July 2006 at 16:42
Voila! She's back :-)
Thank you for the update...I've missed them...its just not the same getting the news from an impersonal source like the newspaper. Hope you enjoyed the haitus.
Posted by: susanlavonne | 07 July 2006 at 15:25