Your link didn't work. At any rate, something that sets us apart from many of the animals out there is the ability to choose our reaction to what happens to us. I don't believe Zidane had to do that. It wasn't the action of a civilized gentleman, and certainly that kind of behavior does not belong on the pitch. Yes, you'll take action if provoked, but what action is entirely up to you. Zidane chose to show he has either little self control, no desire to be a good role model, or is perhaps a little too full of himself and thinks he doesn't have to be a gentleman. Perhaps some combination of those... At any rate, I maintain it was horrible sportsmanship. I'm surprised they overlooked it and still gave him the Golden Ball. I hope they at least seriously considered it. Being that its his last WC appearence perhaps they decided to show mercy and overlook it. That's admirable, but it still sends the wrong message. "Hey, if you're a super-star famous person you can do pretty much whatever you want and they'll overlook it!". Bah.
You're over analysing the situation. Firstly, you should know that my comments are half bullsh*t. Secondly, you're wrong when you say that he's full of himself. Thirdly, he IS class, at the moment the HIGHEST class, so you cant say that he didnt deserve the Golden Ball. You watched the world cup, tell me who deserves it more.
Oh yes it did. It was silly, and slightly suspicious, to quote Monty Python again Yeah, although if what BBC's Ten O'Clock News reported is correct, I can somewhat understand Zizou: "[Materazzi] ... wished 'an ugly death to you and your family' on the day [Zidane's] mother had been taken to hospital ill." Of course Materazzi couldn't have known that, but that's extremely low in any case.
Fourthly, animals are sometimes right, I wish I was one... actually I'm a monkey with a banana. Finally, this shows how much you know the game, if at all... Stick with your "american games".
I humbly disagree. I never said Zidane didn't play well. He played very well. He was a star, which is why I referenced him as one. Yes, I'm certain the other player said something to anger him, and that also was in bad form. That doesn't excuse Zidane's reaction. The officials and the rules themselves support my point of view. If that was acceptable behavior would it be grounds for an immediate expulsion? The knee-jerk reaction is to pummel the guy who says something bad to you. The gentlemen's reaction is to either walk away, or if you feel you must evenge what was said, face him and invite him to "step outside". Tough to do in the middle of a WC final. No doube the other player was trying to anger Zidane so he wouldn't play as well. Whatever the reason, Zidane could have reacted better. Again, I didn't say I don't forgive him, I said I was dissapointed with his decision. I probably don't know the game as well as some, but I think I know it pretty well. What does that have to do with Zidane head-butting someone? And as far as over-analysis goes, there's no such thing in my book. =)
Zidane head-butt - Some unknown reasons ;D Have you seen this? These pages are in portuguese. You must click the Veja as imagens animadas link.
The important thing is I was right. Never doubt the foolproof method. Italy won because there are kids in Italy playing soccer in the UPS commercials.
I think it's already been established that this victory was surely the result of attractive women and good food.
...I agree... France will lose the next WC early on because all the kids will be too busy head-butting each other "like Zidane". =p
Well, not really the World Cup, but at least this time we won for the sixth time! See Volleyball World league 2006 final.
