Lilian Thuram was named "Man of the Match" by FIFA's Technical Study Group here on Wednesday as his French team edged Portugal 1-0 on a first half penalty to make the World Cup final against Italy in Berlin this weekend.

Thuram shone with calm authority during the semifinal clash, keeping French half clear superbly and denying repeated attempts from the Portuguese side.

"I'm 34 and I feel like the 10-year-old boy who watched the World Cup and found it beautiful," said the Juventus defender, who was excited about his team's advance to the final.

"The final had been our objective from the start. Being there is a dream. Missing it would have been a nightmare," he added.