Came on for Djorkaeff in the opener and looked worthy of a starting place. Set up Wiltord's rather questionable goal. Lemerre pitched him in against the Czechs and he responded with his usual vigour.

Vieira's weakness is obvious to the casual observer; he is as hot-headed a player that exists in the game today. His red mist descended against Holland and he was needlessly booked in an ostensibly dead rubber.

But to write him off in such a way is to ignore his awesome footballing qualities. Rivals Roy Keane as the best centre midfielder in the Premiership, and possesses a terrific shot.

Superb tackler with leadership qualities, unless he is badly affected by injury he should be a French regular for the next ten years.

Whether or not he stays at Arsenal is another matter - Juventus are the latest club linked with a multi-million pound bid for him.

Was having a assured but quiet game against Spain in the quarter-finals by his standards until he went on a mazy run and fed Youri Djorkaeff for France's winner.

Later in the game he popped up to fire a thunderous end to a Zidane run goalward. Unfortunately (for France and Aranzabel) it pole-axed the unlucky defender.