French president Jacques Chirac and Brazilian head of state Fernando Henrique Cardoso exchanged letters ahead of the final and said the match will tighten ties between the two countries whatever the result.

"Destiny, propelled by the skill and talent of our players, wanted France and Brazil to meet in the final of this extraordinary World Cup," President Cardoso said. "I am sure that, after this match, whatever the result, the friendship between the French and Brazilians will be even stronger and closer," he added in a letter, made public by the French president's office yesterday.

In his reply, Chirac said he had been deeply touched by Cardoso's letter and reminded Cardoso that he had predicted the two countries would meet in the final when they last met in New York in June.

"You told me then that you shared my prediction. And both of us agreed that this historic match, as well as being a clash between the two best teams in the world would be the finest symbol of the friendship between the Brazilians and French."

Chirac said his only regret was that Cardoso could not be alongside him at the Stade de France on Sunday. "I would have been delighted if we could have experienced, fraternally, this great event," Chirac said.