I was having a conversation about possible winners of the World Cup about a month ago with a friend. We spoke about how it’s not often about the teams that come steaming out of the blocks, but more about the teams that peak at the right time and find a rhythm that wins them the trophy.

The above rule finally applied to Spain tonight. A team that didn’t fail to entertain in the group stages met its match today: a team that didn’t really impress in the first round at all.

That said, this was the most evenly balanced, and the most entertaining second round game of this World Cup. Both teams came out to attack, and were blessed with technically gifted players across the pitch. What would eventually matter was how those players were employed.

Coming into this match, Spain were definitely favourites. They had brushed aside the competition in the first round, with some spectacular goals and quality midfield play. Fernando Torres looked like the hottest striking property at the Cup and it seemed as if this Spanish Armada would topple the seemingly brittle French contingent.

The Spanish did well enough at the start, passing the ball around sweetly, and getting their fullbacks in good attacking positions. The French held steady, the experience they possessed in the form of Thuram, Gallas, Sagnol and Makelele showing as they held a stiff opposition to quick attacks from the Spaniards.

The breaking point came when Torres was found in the penalty area and the referee correctly pointed to the spot. David Villa converted with a clinical penalty, no doubt a number of rueful Swiss faces will have watched that with a lot of pain. As the French started chasing the game, they slowly started to stamp their physical authority. Vieira and Makelele started running out of the blocks quicker once they had possession and it did well for them considering the fact that Spain couldn’t push forward as much.

Franck Ribery, hyped as the new French sensation, scored a brilliant goal just before halftime to delete Spain’s slim advantage. He expertly rounded Casillas off an excellent through-pass from Vieira.

The second half was even more hurried than the first as far as midfield play was concerned. Cesc and Xavi from Spain, Vieira and Ribery from France distinguishing themselves with some good plays.

The breaking point for Spain came when Henry was fouled by Puyol (more discussion on that later, read on), and Zidane’s freekick was headed in by Vieira off Sergio Ramos for 2-1. Soon after, with Spain chasing the game, Zidane scored a great goal on the counter to put the result beyond any doubt. The French now head to a quarter final date with the mighty Brazil, who (judging by today’s performance) will be even opponents.

First, and most importantly, as an Arsenal fan, I am extremely disappointed at Henry clutching his face following Puyol’s foul on him. Very, very disappointed. Just two days after Figo’s theatrics, Henry follows up with a highly unexpected repeat. It was definitely a foul, Puyol definitely elbowed Henry in the chest, and was going to get a yellow that was merited. Why act as if you’ve been hurt more than you actually were? What on earth was Henry thinking? Was his frustration too much? Whatever the case, it was disgraceful and I seriously hope that he doesn’t come up with such an act again.

And finally, you’ve got a long life Mr. Domenech. You again screwed up your tactics and had you not been experienced by some inspirational individual performances by your team, you’d have thrown away this match as well. Thierry Henry was forced to play the lone striker’s role again, flashback to the group match against Switzerland. This is the sort of role reserved for a striker like Louis Saha, who for reasons only the Almighty himself might know, has been benched continuously. Henry is a striker that is NOT suited to this role, he cuts in from the left and makes diagonal runs, and does NOT play off the shoulder of the last defender. If Domenech really wanted to go with a 4-5-1, then show some balls and drop Henry, play Saha. But if you’re going to play Henry, then play him with the United striker to better utilize the worldclass firepower at your disposal. Henry’s inability to cope with the role was reflected in the 8 offsides given against him, and if Domenech has even half a brain (I doubt it), he should realize that. France are in the quarter finals, and they will need a lot more than individual cameos to beat Brazil.