William Gallas admits he is living the World Cup dream as he prepares for tonight's semi-final against Portugal in Munich.

The Chelsea defender has had a solid tournament alongside Lilian Thuram in the heart of the French defence and admits he is savouring the atmosphere.

"Personally, this is the sort of thing I dreamed of as a kid and I knew I always wanted to play in a World Cup," said Gallas, 28. "Now I am playing in a semi-final.

"With the France team I am determined to try to go all the way."

Gallas had a dig at some of the critics who questioned the strength of the French team before and even during the tournament.

"We were criticised but we have always known what we want to do," he said. "Although first we must beat Portugal."

Gallas, asked if a solid-looking French defence reminded him of the World Cup winning team in 1998, joked: "It (the comparison) doesn't bother me.

"If we go all the way and win the World Cup then so much the better. We have the same style of play as the 1998 team, which is so much the better - France always has its special style of play."

Asked if he and his team-mates were planning to watch last night's semi-final between Germany and Italy, Gallas said: "Some of them will but not me.

"I want to forget about all that and think of something else."