NO. the advance of computational dynamics correctly places the impact point of Ronaldo's shots with an accuracy above 89.7%, and goal post movement response time, an offshoot of Formula 1 DRS wing movement technology, means most of his shots will be blocked by the moveable posts.

PS. Apologies to Katrin for making a name joke in the previous comment, though she probably doesn't read Fussball threads. I hope i'm allowed an exception when he plays so poorly.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin

they never played with any conviction they could score

Hm, I had the impression that France dominated for most of the second half. But they indeed played defensively (midfield gaps formed when starting an attack), and there was very little combination game on offense (no suitable partner in sight for Ribéry), and Nasri was a no-show when subbed in. IMO this was just the culmination of the problems seen in the earlier matches; it could be the lack of team training, or the lack of a real playmaker like Zizou, or both.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

The most dispiriting thing for me was the comments of the players and the coach after the match : almost pleased with themselves, relieved that it was over and that they had avoided humiliation. Their strategy of shutting down Spain had worked, you see. Oh, except for the minor detail of that goal.

The team could be very good in a couple of years, but I'm afraid Laurent Blanc will have to go.

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}