The 16th FIFA World Cup was the largest ever, contested by 32 teams with 64 matches played. The eight groups of four teams were spread out throughout France in the ten new or refurbished stadia, with the opening game and the final held at Stade de France. Thirty-two countries meant 30 qualifying spots, providing more opportunities for teams from Africa and Asia. The four-team groups also reflected the geographical spread, with all but one of the pools comprising two Europeans, one from the Americas and one from Africa or Asia.

Hosts France made their way slowly but surely towards their date with destiny. After sporting a perfect record in the group stage, they came up against Paraguay and need the first ever World Cup golden goal in the 113th minute. Italy were their next opponents and in the semi-final, the hosts met Croatia. Cometh the hour, cometh the man — right back Lilian Thuram chose this moment to score his first, and second, international goals and set up a dream final — against Brazil.

With a header in the 27th minute followed by a second in first half injury time, Zinedine Zidane sent shock waves through his Brazilian opponents from which they would never recover. Despite being reduced to ten men after Marcel Desailly’s expulsion in the 68th minute, the French fortress even slotted in another goal after a counter-attack from Emmanuel Petit.