This question has been circulating through the soccer community ever since Brazil, arguably the world's best team and the defending World Cup champion, lost in the quarterfinals of this year's event to France 0–1 July 1. Now, heading into the semifinals, the field looks wide open, with Italy the slight favorite.

Despite fielding all its top guns, including Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Kaka, powerhouse Brazil only got one shot on goal in the entire game.

The Brazilians were clearly outmatched, in particular by veteran French midfielder Zinedine Zidane. It was Zidane's cross into the Brazilian box in the 57th minute to uncovered striker Thierry Henry that led to the decisive goal.

"There was one major difference between France and Brazil tonight — Zidane," said Pelé, the most famous soccer player of all time.

Before the World Cup, the 34-year-old Zidane announced he would retire after the event. Many of the other French team players are also expected to give up their spots on the national team to the younger generation.

With an average age over 29, the French team is the oldest squad in Germany.

After taking down Brazil, however, the veterans are dreaming of returning to past glory. The team won the World Cup in its home country in 1998 and the Euro 2000 two years later.

"We need to take two more steps, but anything can happen now," Zidane said.

France will take on Portugal in the semifinals. Portugal, the host team of the Euro 2004, is being guided by head coach Luis Felippe Scholari, who in the past took Brazil to a World Cup title.

The Portuguese advanced to the semifinals after a penalty shootout against England in the quarterfinals. Portugal got the upper hand over England despite the fact that it was missing some key players after a controversial game against Holland a round earlier.

In that game, referee Valentin Ivanov handed out 16 yellow and four red cards, setting a new World Cup record for bookings in one game.

Now, however, all eyes are on the home team, Germany, which defeated Argentina to enter the semifinals. The Germans beat the Argentines in penalty shots after drawing 1–1.

Germany takes on Italy, arguably the hottest team remaining, next. The Italians defeated Ukraine 3–0 in the quarterfinals.

Goalie Gianluigi Buffon said after the game that the team's most difficult game before the semifinal was its first round match against the Czech Republic, which the Italians won 2–0.