Video: 'Don't care if its Brazil or not', Claude Makelele's take on what makes France tick against Brazil
Few teams in recent history boast a better record against the legendary Brazil than France. The Selecao have been dominated by the Les Bleus in most of their current meetings.
Ever since the fated match in World Cup 1986, where Zico missed his famous penalty, France has come back to haunt Brazil time and again. In the 1998 World Cup final, one Zinedine Zidane tormented the Brazilians while the 2006 quarter finals saw Thierry Henry knock the five-time world champions out via a solitary goal.
The two teams have met 15 times since 1930, with Brazil winning six, four draws and five triumphs for France. However, since 1998 the score stands 3-1 in favour of France.
When the two teams are meet at Stade De France on Thursday, Brazil will be looking to break the Les Bleus’ recent stranglehold but it’s not going to be a walk in the park.
Perhaps what drives the French team to play so well against Brazil is its disregard for the big names wearing the famous yellow shirt – best put by Claude Makelele in this clip from the ‘9 Juillet’ documentary.