The ugly incident in the match saw German keeper Harald Schumacher's clatter into Patrick Battiston, which left the Frenchman
unconscious with his jaw smashed and two teeth broken.
Four years later France, who were European champions, faced West Germany yet again in the last four, but were once again beaten.
France suffered the ignominy of not qualifying for the World Cup until 1998 - where they were the hosts.
The players of the 1980s had now retired, and it was left to a new brigade - including Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Thuram, Bixente Lizarazu and Emmanuel Petit - to make home advantage count.
After making past the first phase, the French beat Paraguay, Italy and Croatia en route to the final.
They faced Brazil, who were favourites with many to hold on to their title.
But Brazil did not play to their potential - highlighted by Ronaldo's poor performance - and suffered at the hands of a brace from Zidane and a goal from Petit.