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Special: FIFA WORLD CUP GERMANY 2006>>>
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photo: sina | France, who struggled to survive World Cup Group G, rallied to beat Spain, who topped Group H with three easy wins, 3-1 on Tuesday night to advance to the quarterfinals to face five-time champions Brazil.
France coach Raymond Domenech said: "It was a remarkable match in every way. It was very tough for the players. We may have a team of old men but we know how to be patient."
"Younger people run out of breath. There's something exceptional waiting for us, unique emotions.
In the breath-taking knockout duel, forward David Villa scored a goal from the penalty spot in the 28th minute to lift Spain to a1-0 lead.
The penalty kick came from Spain's defender Pablo who was fouled from behind by French defender Lilian Thuram.
In Dortmund, Brazil easily booked a quarter-final berth after romping to 3-0 over World Cup debutants Ghana on Tuesday en route to their sixth title in the 2006 tournament.
Ronaldo opened scoring for the holders in just five minutes when he received a pass from AC Milan sensation Kaka and drove a 20-meter solo run, mugging Ghana keeper Richard Kingson with a trademark stepover to slot the ball home.
Adriano extended Brazil's lead to 2-0 in the dying minutes of the first half as the Inter Milan striker, who regained the starting position as Robinho was sidelined by a slight right thigh injury, lobbed in a close pass from Cafu, who ran off a nice goal-mouth effort with Adriano after connecting with Kaka.
The third score came late in the second half when substitute midfielder Ricardinho tipped the ball over Ghana's center-backs and Jose Ze Roberto cut across, flicked it past Richard Kingson and tapped in at 84.
Editor: Donald
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