Paris: As the final whistle blew, ending Brazil's hopes of retaining its World Cup title and propelling France into the championship's semi-finals, a collective shout of joy went up across France.

Within minutes, the Champs-Elysees, the world's most famous avenue, was choked with hooting cars. People danced on the streets, popped champagne bottles and kissed each other. The atmosphere was a repeat of the massive street party that followed France's World Cup win in 1998.

The happiness was compounded by the fact that not much had been expected from the team, described by some critics as "a bunch of old men." But following Zinedine Zidane's display of on-field artistry, commentators had to eat their words. One of them said: "This man has no right to retire. No right to deny us more of this." But the Algerian-born player from Marseilles held firm, saying he had hopefully two more matches to go.

"Richly deserved victory"

The French press has been lavish in its praise, saying that the country's ageing team (it has some of the oldest players in this World Cup) had proved that intelligence, cunning and experience were as valuable as youthful energy and zest. Thierry Henry, who scored France's lone goal, said: "We did not steal this match. We played a tactical game, and we gave our all. I think this victory is richly deserved."

Cars set ablaze

Unfortunately, the popular celebration was soon marred by violence as drunken youths battled the police, who had to use teargas at one stage.

Police said that some people sustained injuries after being hit by flying bottles and other projectiles along the Champs-Elysees, where there were 20 arrests.

The windows of a McDonald's restaurant at the top of the Champs were smashed, and parked cars overturned. Two cars were set ablaze.

One group attacked a car near the Arc de Triomphe, battering it with stones before setting it ablaze. A scooter was also torched. The violence finally died down by 2 a.m.

The football stronghold of Marseilles also witnessed violence, and riot police clashed with gangs of youths.

France meets Portugal in the semi-final to be held in Munich on Wednesday.

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