What a sad end for Zizou. I've always admired him, but that admiration vanished in one moment. Not only was the head butt classless, but it may have cost his country the biggest prize in sports. A shameful end to a brilliant international career.
What a sad end for Zizou. I've always admired him, but that admiration vanished in one moment. Not only was the head butt classless, but it may have cost his country the biggest prize in sports. A shameful end to a brilliant international career.
France loses!
And a team that got outplayed for almost 120 solid minutes won.Originally Posted by RANDY IN CHAR NC
France loses!
I guess if your rooting interest is tied up with the whole great French/freedom fries debate rather than on the game they're playing then that's a good thing, but I'd have rather seen the team that dominated play take the Cup. Italy's probably going down in history as one of the worst teams ever to win the Cup. In fact, I can't think of a less inspiring team that's won the whole thing off the top of my head.
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Well said.
Wait a minute...
If all things "French" are now "Freedom" -- as in Freedom Fries, Freedom Toast, and Stouffers Freedom Bread Pizza -- then that means Team Freedom lost today.
And, if Freedom lost, that means the Terrorists must have won...Therefore if Italy was the winning team, and since we know the defeat of Freedom means a Terrorists victory, that means Italy is a terrorist nation.
It all seems so clear now.
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Yep, games like the WC provide should be about the game first and jingoism second.... and we all know that they both are running neck and neck at the WC.
As a player and a fan of the game I leave the jingoism for others, give me a 40 yard run or a set play outside the box, it's really something far more beautiful then the TV could ever portray.
this is not zidane's first head butting incident he was sent off a number of years ago when he played for a club team in italy for headbutting another player
True enough. But doing it on this stage is very, very stupid.
Great win for Italy and great honor to the Italian squad. In particular, Cannavaro, Pirlo, Gattuso and Grosso had fantastic performances. You have to say Materazzi was the deus ex-machina of the match. He committed the foul leading to France's penaly, he scored the tying goal, and he was involved in the situation that got Zidane sent off. Who needs Nesta's skills and ability when you can replace him with Materazzi - Mr. Drama. France was a dangerous opponent, with Henry and Malouda the most menacing. I was unfamiliar with Malouda before the tournament - he not only was fast and confident, but he showed determination and heart as well. The glorious win was marred by Zidane's senseless and despicable head-butt. I still think he is the player of the decade (1996-2006) but this violent act was bad.
Here is some of Zidane's history with violent behavior:
Eight years ago, Zidane was red-carded for stomping on an opponent while playing Saudi Arabia. Five years ago, Zidane was also red-carded for head-butting Jochen Kientz in a Champions League match for Juventus against Hamburger SV.
I'm glad Italy won. Zidane seemed like a thug to me. Sorry, not a fan of France.
I thought Italy had the better of the play in the first half, and just missed the second goal when Toni hit the post. France carried the play in the second half and overtime, but even though Henri had many magnificent runs, he didn't get much support from his teammates.
I hate penalties as a way to decide a championship, but Italy made 5-of-5 to capture the trophy. Zidane was a classless bufoon, as was his coach for defending his actions and blaming Materazzi.
It was far from a perfect World Cup, but Germany wasn't inspiring in 1990; Brazil was underwhelming in 1994. It happens.
What if they mandated that both teams worst players have to play the second half? Dumb idea. I agree, so why don't they allow more substitutions so that we aren't watching thoroughly exhausted superstars pantomining a soccer game.
I agree. They should allow a couple more subs.
I thought it was an interesting game and a deserving champion. Worn down a bit from the Germany game but still controlled a lot of the first half play.
PK's aren't fun, but gotta end it somehow.
Neither team really had great looks at the goal, just formidable defenses.
This is the time. The real Reds organization is back.
What I'd like to know is, what was going on earlier in the game that made Zidane flip his lid? I don't know Zidane's history that well, but I have to wonder if the head-butt had to do with more than what was said at that moment. Has Zidane had issues with Materazzi in the past?
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