BBC Sport reviews the bizarre press room scenes involving World Cup semifinals France and Portugal. “Big Phil” Luiz Felipe Scolari was the first of the two victims to enter the courtroom. Brazilian journalists, leftover from their country’s exit at the hands of France, clapped politely as Phil, who guided them to their 2002 success, walked into the room. The ticketed event restricted access to many reporters, who had to listen in from the outside and didn’t look too happy about it. Big Phil was accompanied by a giant of a scary looking press official, who said there would be 15 minutes of questions in Portuguese, followed by 10 minutes of questions in English. So 15 minutes turned into 20 and then 25 minutes. The English press, being personable and polite in person, didn’t say anything and then the scary press official made the universal “it’s finished” sign. “What about the English questions?” someone asked. “Well, why didn’t you ask any?” was the curt answer. France and Chelsea fullback William Gallas was the next on stage. He said he wouldn’t answer any questions in English, which is strange, because he speaks English perfectly well. A few minutes into his press interview and a hand appeared from under the table waving a red card. The hand belonged to none other than France Coach Raymond Domenech. Then the lights went out and everyone started singing “Happy Birthday” to Gallas.