Getting Physical RSS

I am one of millions of football fans with a passion for the World Game. I played football and basketball since I was a kid, and always loved both sports (among others). I believe that football thrives beyond the English Premier League, Italian Serie A, French Ligue, Spanish Primera Liga, German Bundesliga, and countless Cups around the World. If I am not writing, you can find me in the field or the court kicking, juggling, dribbling, and kicking like there's no tomorrow.

If you have any questions or insights about my blogs, please do not hesitate to e-mail me.

Archive

Jun
8th
Fri
permalink

2006 Fifa World Cup

The 2006 FIFA World Cup has been a wonderful time for the Italian Azzurri. Yet, in the eyes of many football fans around the world, its glory has been overshadowed by the controversial headbutt incident of Zinedine Zidane.

In the hundred and eleventh minute of the Finals match between Italy and France, French midfielder Zinedine Zidane was handed a red card for head-butting Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Everyone including Italian fans froze in disbelief. Losing their leader and captain was a big blow for the French. The match would result in a penalty shootout, with Italy winning 5-3. After an impressive season, ZZ exited the field and ended his football career. ZZ carried a weak and ailing team in the eliminations and turned them into Championship contenders. Had he not committed the foul, he could have brought the trophy home for the second time.

This clearly was the most remembered moment of the Tournament. Although the football community will never be proud of this incident, fans around the world will always be proud of the times when ZZ shone and gave us many good memories in football, even during the World Cup. As he is just human, ZZ’s greatness will never be overshadowed by a single mistake.