MUNICH, July 6 (Xinhua) -- Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez set a World Cup record for France with his 16th national team appearance Wednesday, helping his team reach the final with a 1-0 win over Portugal.

    Barthez, who has 86 international appearances, beat the record of Maxime Bossis, who appeared in 15 matches during the 1978, 1982, and 1986 World Cups.

    Barthez, who helped France win the 1998 World Cup, also played on the 2002 World Cup team, which exited in the first round without scoring a goal.

    The 35-year-old Barthez has allowed a total of only seven goals in World Cup play.

    Barthez made his debut for France in 1994 and has played in six major tournaments, including the 1996, 2000, and 2004 European Championships. Enditem