Thierry Henry was France's hero as Raymond Domenech's side beat a below-par Brazilian side 1-0 in Frankfurt to set up a semi-final clash with Portugal on Wednesday.
It was no more than France deserved against a Brazil outfit that didn't manage a shot on target until the last minute.
Brazil looked lethargic throughout with Ronaldinho a shadow of the player who has been so outstanding for Barcelona in the last few years.
The first half was extremely tight with chances few and far between but France edged it because of their more adventurous approach to the match.
The game livened up after the interval with Zinedine Zidane and Franck Ribery starting to dominate proceedings.
The crucial goal came in the 57th minute when Zidane's floated free-kick found the unmarked Henry at the back post and he side-footed the ball into an empty net with the Brazil defence sleeping.
It was reportedly the first time Zidane had created a goal for Henry at international level, but what a time to break the duck.
France continued to hold the upperhand and Ribery left Lucio for dead before seeing his cross roll inside the six-yard box with Zidane just unable to burst forward and tap the ball home.
With 19 minutes left it was almost 2-0. Henry broke free and tried to set up Ribery but Dida raced off his line to block the shot.
Zidane and Patrick Vieira were outstanding as they continually frustrated Brazil who were unable to mount any significant attacks.
In stoppage time Fabien Barthez was finally forced to make his first serious save of the evening when he parried Ronaldo's effort but France easily hung on to their slender advantage.
Brazil were unable to gain revenge for their World Cup Final defeat to the French in 1998 as Domenech's side ensured that the semi-finals of this year's tournament will be an all-European affair.