DORTMUND, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Eight years after Brazil lost the 1998 World Cup to France, the samba boys have geared up to take a revenge on Les Bleus in Saturday's last eight matchup in Frankfortand to stamp their ticket to the semifinals.
The quarterfinal meeting recalls bad memories to the Brazilians,who brought six members of the 1998 squad to Germany, of the historic game in Paris where the hosts came out on top 3-0 at Stade de France to claim their first-ever World Cup trophy.
Since then, Brazil have met the French twice, losing 2-1 in thesemifinals of the 2001 Confederations Cup before a goalless draw in a friendly in 2004.
The South Americans, making their 18th appearance in the most important soccer event in the world after 76 years without absencein duty, went on to claim their fifth title in 2002 and kept unbeaten after being stunned in the French final.
Entering this year's tournament on a roll, Brazil have won all four of their matches in the competition and outscored their opponents 10-1 in the process.
With all-time World Cup leading goal-scorer Ronaldo gaining form and a compliment of weapons, the Brazilians are looking to anease to the semis against the struggling Frenchmen and heading fora record 12 successive victories at the Finals.
The record went back to a 2-1 win over Turkey in Brazil's opening match at the 2002 event, dating their last defeat to the 1998 final.
Meanwhile, France have tumbled on World Cup stage since the title winning game against Brazil, suffering a first stage exit in2002 without winning a match or making one goal-scoring.
They were counted out as too old and not offensive enough, though having quieted some of the critics after a strong performance with incredible heart and courage against Spain and appointing a quarterfinal place against Brazil with the 3-1 comfort victory last Tuesday.
Also six players of France for Saturday's match have taken partin that 1998 final.
Fabien Barthez, Zinedine Zidane and Lilian Thuram were in the starting lineup of France four years ago, while Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet and Patrick Vieira took their places among the substitutes, with Vieira coming on for the last 15 minutes of the game.
And on the Brazilian side, Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo started the 1998 final, while Dida, Emerson and Ze Roberto were onthe bench.
The samba boys, however, denied that revenge has entered their minds.
Cafu, Brazil's starting right-back on that fateful night of 12 July 1998, said that every player in the squad was focusing solelyon the present.
"No, this is not about revenge," Brazil captain Cafu said in the run-up to Saturday's match. "That sense of revenge comes from outside the squad. As far as we are concerned, I'm sure that no player has spoken about it. We mustn't let it affect us."
"We have put the emotions of 1998 behind us. It would not be good to go into the game with a lust for revenge," he added.
Carlos, Cafu's full-back partner, echoed that they have put their 1998 final defeat by France behind them for Saturday's rematch.
"After 1998, we won the World Cup in 2002, the Confederations Cup in 2004, we won our qualifying group, and the Copa America in 2004," said the Real Madrid player. "That helps us to forget what happened in 1998."
But the quarterfinal meet still bring two Real Madrid teammates,Zidane and Ronaldo, again to the highlight in an encounter betweenold foes.
Zidane's two goals in the 1998 final helped France outclass Brazil, while Ronaldo suffered a fit and played the game in an apparent daze.
Now, the 29-year-old Brazilian and the 34-year-old Frenchman have all overcome slow starts to the World Cup in Germany and generated key goals for their respective teams.
Still, young talents are to make the difference.
Brazil have budding superstar Kaka and speedy striker Robinho, while France forward Franck Ribery powered into the spotlight withhis 1-1 equaliser against Spain. Enditem
