A fitting tribute...

Sunday's match between France and Cameroon was always going to be a difficult occasion - especially for the African players, many of whom had known Foé since they were kids, but also for many of the French who had played either with or against him in the French and English leagues.

In light of the circumstances the players should be applauded for producing a competitive game, even if the football that was played will be largely forgotten. A collective groan went round the Stade de France when the final whistle blew with the score still 0-0, not because the crowd did not want to see extra time, but because the emotions were clearly weighing more heavily on the players as the night wore on.

Surely an agreement to share the trophy at the end of the 90 minutes would have been the 'right' thing to do on a night when football basically did not matter. Indeed it was some relief when Henry finished the tie seven minutes later, even though it meant that the brave Cameroonians had failed in their quest to 'win it for Foé'.

The scenes that followed were a credit to the players and a clear illustration of just how much Foé meant to them.

There was no celebrating from the French.

Just a mutual respect for a man who was loved by everyone who knew him. The two coaches embraced and kissed on the cheek, while players of both sides circulated the pitch shaking each other's hands and giving consoling hugs.

A giant picture of Foé was carried out onto the pitch by Song, who then took it up to the podium with him as the Cameroon players, by now all wearing green Foé shirts with number 17 on the back, prepared to get their runners-up medals.

Song, who was struggling to keep his emotions bottled, took Foé's medal and hung it carefully on the corner of the picture. The Stade de France crowd rose to its feet, both sets of the players applauded. Foé's wife and mother in the crowd could no longer hold back the tears. Frankly, it was enough to make you cry even if you did not know Foé personally. What his close friends and family must have felt is impossible to fathom.

France skipper Marcel Desailly played his part by insisting that Song collect the trophy with him.

Respectfully there was no celebrating from Desailly who refused to lift the trophy above his head, instead standing there solemnly alongside Song whilst the photographers got their shots.

The timing and necessity of the Confederations Cup will come under more severe scrutiny than ever in the forthcoming weeks as a result of Thursday's tragedy. It is clear that footballers play too much and need more rest. Whether Marc-Vivien Foé would still be with us today had the tournament not existed will never be known, though we may have more idea once all the post mortem results are in.

Prior to the Cameroon-Colombia semi-final, the tournament had witnessed some outstanding matches. Japan's heroic efforts against France, Cameroon's masterful victory over Brazil and Turkey's extraordinary skill and passion made for quite a spectacle. Tragically, however, these matches have now faded into insignificance as the football world mourns the loss of great player and a great ambassador.

Marc-Vivien Foé RIP.