FRANCE 98 – Lyon Stadium

Since its inception 70 years ago, the Stade Gerland has witnessed countless great football and rugby matches. And last Summer it provided the setting for the Tournoi de France, a succulent foretaste of the coming World Cup a year ahead of the kick-off. Lyon was chosen to host two of the tournament’s six matches.

The France-Brazil match (1-1) on 3 June was vintage stuff, it’s true, but the Brazil-Italy game on 8 June was an out-and-out classic. A “remake” of the 1994 and 1970 World Cup Finals that fulfilled all expectations. With Italy leading 2-1 at half-time, Brazil fought back to tie it up at 3-3. It was end-to-end football throughout, that had the Gerland crowd on its feet roaring—like Lions!