Romanian tennis legend, Ilie Nastase, talks about the World Cup, Spain-France game and the chances for France to win a second trophy this year.

What did you think of Tuesday’s match?
It really was a game of two halves. The Spanish were better in the first half, passing the ball around a lot better. Once they had opened the scoring, that seemed to spur France into action. The second half was simply incredible. Quality football, very physical as well, with two top teams who were both full of running. Neither gave the other a moment’s respite.

Which team were you supporting?
I live in Paris, so I was for France. At the same time, it’s a shame that Spain are out, since I think that if they’d played anyone else, they’d have got through. The two teams are pretty similar, and both have a lot of players who ply their trade in Spain, so they all knew what to expect.

What was the defining moment of the match?
I think it was the foul on Henry that led to the second goal. I’m not sure that it was actually a foul, and it’s a shame that France scored their second after this happened. For the third, though, there can be no debate. It was a cracking goal, pure and simple.

Who was the most important player on the pitch tonight?
There were quite a few. I thought Joaquin was very good when he came on for Spain. It’s a pity he didn’t come on earlier, because once he did, he looked very capable. For the French, Zidane scored, so did Vieira, and everyone ended up playing well. They looked better in defence than the Spanish. Anything’s possible for them now – France could go all the way and win the tournament. They’ve just beaten a good team, and they’re full of confidence.

How do you see them playing against Brazil in the quarter-final?
Let’s not forget that France are one of the few teams to have beaten Brazil in a Final. It’s great that there are matches like France – Brazil, even if it isn’t the Final yet. And in any case, I think everyone would love to see a Germany – Brazil Final.

What’s your tip for the Final, then?
It’s a little early to be playing guessing games – there’s a lot of football left in this tournament, and the matches that are left will be really tight ones. However, regardless of who gets through, anything can happen in the Final.

What is your greatest FIFA World Cup memory?
I saw an incredible match here in Paris – the World Cup semi-final (versus Croatia) when France went on to win the tournament.

Which are your favourite players or teams?
Germany are always very strong, and I like the way Brazil and Italy play. I obviously like France as well, but all of the teams have some good players.

Which FIFA World Cup match would you most like to have played in?
I’d have loved to play in a match, any match. But everyone dreams of playing in a World Cup Final – I wouldn’t have minded which one!

Any messages you would like us to pass on?
I’d like France to keep going, even though they didn’t start the tournament well. With every match they win now, they’ll gain in confidence. They all play for different clubs and it takes a while to get back into the habit of playing alongside each other again. I hope that they’ll go far and, why not, win the tournament. I’ve been living in Paris for 30 years, and I have a lot of friends in France.

Source: WCoffsite