...support in the new stadium that they expected. "There are too many people inside the stadium in suits," captain Didier Deschamps says. "We do not get a great feeling of support. The people who could have made the difference are outside. You...

...scant tradition of displaying popular passions. After the victory against Croatia in the semifinals, team captain Didier Deschamps criticized the dark-suited French VIPs in the stadium who, he said, acted as if they had just come from a funeral...

...took the lead 26 seconds after halftime on Davor Suker's breakaway. "They caught us dead cold," French captain Didier Deschamps said. That quieted the crowd and seemed to drive a stake into the French team's heart. It turned out it just...

...scoring chances. It got impatient, even frustrated. "I know the problem and there is no explanation," captain Didier Deschamps said. Croatia can withstand physical play, as it did against Germany. It also has impressive counterattacking...

...Italian league and the Champions Cup titles this season. Davids is in impressive form and has been credited by most critics for La Juve's impressive midfield play teamed with French internationals Zinedine Zidane and Didier Deschamps.

...received a hearty hug from Michel Platini, the nation's greatest player and the organizer of France 98. Then captain Didier Deschamps was presented the Jules Rimet Trophy, setting off more revelry. The French secured their place in the pantheon...

...coach Miroslav Blazevic. He calls it "not that strong" and "vulnerable." France's defensive midfield features Didier Deschamps and Emmanuel Petit tirelessly working to feed playmaker Zinedine Zidane. It is up front that the problems lie...