In ethics as in life there are often no easy choices. In Portugal the "modernising" socialist premier says he draws inspiration from Blair; in France the centre-right president draws Blair's ire. You say reformer, I say reactionary; you say Gaullist, I say Blairite - let's call the whole thing off. Given such marginal ethical differences, the French deserve the benefit of the doubt. A win for Zidane and co will bring the French out into the streets. And when the French take to the streets, anything can happen.

Verdict: Allez les Bleus!