Champions Brazil, England knocked out

BERLIN, July 2 (Reuters) Champions Brazil were dumped out of the World Cup, a Thierry Henry goal giving France a 1-0 quarter-final victory over the South American favourites.

France face a semi-final with Portugal, who triumphed 3-1 over England in a penalty shootout after a goalless 120 minutes. England played most of the second half and all of extra time with 10 men after striker Wayne Rooney was sent off.

France, inspired by captain Zinedine Zidane who is retiring after this World Cup, outplayed the champions in Frankfurt.

Zidane floated a deep free kick from the left into the Brazilian penalty area after 57 minutes and striker Henry arrived unmarked at the far post to volley the ball home.

"We don't want to stop now. This is so beautiful, we want it to carry on," said Zidane, 34.

In Paris, hordes of French fans descended on the Champs Elysees shouting "We have won! We have won!" The victory completed a memorable World Cup double for France, as they also beat Brazil in the 1998 final.

Despite boasting a dazzling array of top Europe-based players, five-times champions Brazil never reached their full potential in Germany.

"We didn't think we would leave before the final but we have to face it," said Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

"France played very well, they were more patient and their victory was a deserved one," he added. "We had talented players, we worked hard but there was something missing." Brazil's departure means the tournament will have no South American side in the last four for the first time since 1982.

Germany and Italy contest the first semi-final in Dortmund on Tuesday while France play Portugal in Munich on Wednesday.

"There should have been at least one South American team in the semi-finals, its a shame for world football," Parreira said.

RICARDO HERO Portugal are the only team in the semi-finals not to have won the World Cup.

Goalkeeper Ricardo was the hero of their win in Gelsenkirchen, saving three spot-kicks -- a record for a World Cup shootout -- from England midfielders Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and substitute Jamie Carragher.

"Penalty shootouts are a lottery, but I train well too, but I'm not going to tell you my secrets, then you will know everything," the 30-year-old goalkeeper said.

Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to score Portugal's winning penalty, prompting thousands to sweep into Lisbon's main avenues to celebrate their country making the last four of the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

England have now lost five of their six penalty shootouts in major tournaments.

Rooney, only back from a broken foot at these finals and seen as key to England's hopes, was red-carded after 62 minutes.

Involved in a tussle for possession, he stamped on the groin of defender Ricardo Carvalho virtually in front of Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo.

England were already without captain David Beckham, who was left sitting in tears with his head in his hands after being substituted in the 51st minute with an injury.

The match was the last game in charge of England for coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who announced before the tournament he would step down after five and a half years in charge.

England failed to get beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the third successive time under the Swede.

"We are out of the tournament and that hurts. I don't think we deserved to lose," he said.

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, a candidate to replace Eriksson until he quit the race, paid tribute to England.

"I admire the attitude of England. With 10 men they were the same as our 11. They didn't give us many opportunities," he said.

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