Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez set a World Cup record for France with his 16th
national team appearance yesterday, helping his team reach the final with a 1-0
win over Portugal.
Barthez, who has 86 international appearances, beat the record of Maxime
Bossis, who appeared in 15 matches during the 1978, 1982, and 1986 World Cups.
Barthez, who helped France win the 1998 World Cup, also played on the 2002
World Cup team, which exited in the first round without scoring a goal.
The 35-year-old Barthez has allowed a total of only seven goals in World Cup
play.
Barthez made his debut for France in 1994 and has played in six major
tournaments, including the 1996, 2000, and 2004 European Championships.
