Les Bleus Punch Ticket to Final

In a thrilling match in Paris, the home side clung to a narrow 3-2 win to earn them their first ever trip to an International Final. The only use of hands in this controversial rematch against a gritty Irish side was that of France keeper Hugo Lloris who put in a MOTM performance.

It was a classic "anything you can do, I can do better" display with France opening the scoring only to see Ireland net soon after the break. The sides would repeat this pattern once again in the second half with Keane besting Remy's go-ahead goal to quickly turn 2-1 into 2-2 but it was a poorly attempted save by Shay Given on a fairly weak Samir Nasri finesse shot inside the box that made the difference.

When asked if it was bittersweet that the former Arsenal man score two vital goals in the match, France's Monsieur Adman said, "Of course not. I recently saw Sami at Thierry's homecoming match at the Emirates and know his heart still lies there. A good manager puts aside personal grudges and award the best 11 players the opportunity to honor their country. I have a duty to the Fédération Française de Football and frankly, the entire country to showcase our talents and I believe we've done a fabulous job with that."

Ireland manager Ian Thompson was clearly disappointed that they wouldn't get a chance to face a German squad that they've already beaten in the group stages but offered words of encouragement to the French side that, historically speaking, appear to be the underdogs headed into this final. "Just frustrate him," Thompson said in reference to Tindle's should-be tactics against decorated skipper Liam Pruitt. Known to drop a few "square root of f--- all" quotes along with many references to "c*ck" on the mic, it will be interesting to see Pruitt's behavior in such an important match considering the recent criticism of his tongue.

For now, it's "La vie est belle" in Paris tonight with Grand Marnier toasts seen in the cafes as the supporters taste the sweet (and orangey) taste of their first crack at International glory.