Unbelieveable end to Zidane’s career
It happened in a flash, just like a snap. The final of World Cup 2006 was in 109th minute with France and Italy 1-1 and the game was setting up for penalty shoot-out, when french captain Zinedine Zidane was grabbed by Materazzi. He did, or said, something to Zidane and as soon as Zidane broke free, he turned and rammed his head into Materazzi’s chest; it was really firm and nasty, sending the Azzurri crashing to the turf.
It was also completely off the ball and at first it seemed he’d got away with it, but after talking to his assistant – and possibly after an intervention from the fourth official – the referee was alerted to what happened, and sent Zidane off.
“Zidane being sent off changed everything,” France coach Raymond Domenech said. “Even in extra time the Italian team was waiting for only one thing, and that was penalties.”
Domenech said he did not know what Materazzi said to Zidane. “It’s regrettable,” Domenech said. “We regret it, he regrets it.”
What on earth did Materazzi said or did to provoke that? the Guardian has an explanation.
The blogosphere got hyped by this and responses poped up, like here, here and here.
Zidane, whose sparkling play carried France much deeper into this tournament than anyone expected, previously said he would quit soccer when the World Cup concluded.
Head bowed, he walked past Domenech on his way out but did not look at him. As he exited into the tunnel, his head still bent to the ground, he strode past the golden World Cup trophy and disappeared. Thus ends career of a maestro.
cross posted on SoccerFairy.com
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July 7th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Zinedin zidane Campion
July 10th, 2006 at 8:35 pm
[...] Allez, Zidane what was burning in your head that must have been so fierce, it looked like the French riots of last year all over again in the back of your mind? Forget the fact that Italy has won, forget the fact that the French were better (certainly in the 2nd half), forget the tormenting excitement of the last minutes; we only talk about Zidane being ejected. Yes it is a tragic end to his career, what was he thinking? He should get another red card for just being so stupid and letting his team down. And Materazzi, if ever gets out what you said, you should be expelled as well for unfair play, provoking one of the best players of the last ten years and probably for your remark itself as well. [link] [...]
July 10th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
[...] Chowrangi’s report is headlined: Unbelieveable end to Zidane’s career It happened in a flash, just like a snap. The final of World Cup 2006 was in 109th minute with France and Italy 1-1 and the game was setting up for penalty shoot-out, when french captain Zinedine Zidane was grabbed by Materazzi. He did, or said, something to Zidane and as soon as Zidane broke free, he turned and rammed his head into Materazzi’s chest; it was really firm and nasty, sending the Azzurri crashing to the turf. [...]