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PARIS - Holders England and hosts France go face to face in the first of the World Cup semi-finals on Saturday (1900 GMT) in a match-up that looked extremely unlikely a few weeks ago.
When France lost the tournament's opening game to Argentina and England were hammered 36-0 by South Africa both were condemned to daunting quarter-finals against New Zealand and Australia respectively.
However, the two European teams both produced their best performances for years to come through last week and are now set for a repeat of the 2003 semi-final won by England in Sydney.
England are seeking to emulate Australia as the only team to reach successive finals and will then hope to go one step further and become the first team to retain the trophy.
France are seeking to match Australia's record of three final appearances, but, having lost in 1987 and 1999, they are still chasing their first victory.
Around 80,000 fans will watch the match in the Stade de France, with up to 30,000 supporting the visitors, on what should be a spine-tingling occasion.
The second semi-final between South Africa and Argentina takes place at the same stadium on Sunday (1900GMT)
- REUTERS
