It’s not easy to write fairy tales, much less, be a part of one. Zidane led France on one such adventure, one which would be written in gold in the echelons of soccer history. As France progressed to the final, Zidane looked to ride into the sunset basking in World cup glory, and be immortalized as a legend of the game....
And, then he FD it all up.........
Zidane, the great player that he is, will now forever be remembered for his vicious head-butt and subsequent red card in the greatest soccer arena of ’em all..... The World cup Final.
Irrespective of whether the fourth referee used the video to kick Zidane out or not, what he did was inexcusable.......
The disappointment of France’s loss would have been far less excruciating, had it not been for "Mr. Ram-Man" disgracing himself, his team, his country, and letting down the millions of fans transcending barriers and borders all across the world.
Zidane, more than a superstar, and a magician with the ball, you were an Ambassador for the sport. The spirit with which the game is played is what separates the great players from the "Gods of the game". You pulled a Wayne Rooney today... and by doing so, you have resigned yourself to living as a mere mortal, who could slide the ball well, for the rest of your life.
There couldn’t have been a better stage set for you to take your final bow, instead you bid adieu by hiding yourself in the confines of the french locker room. What could have turned into a celebration of your illustrious career irrespective of the result, turned into a celebration minus your presence.
What a shame!!!!!!!!
Having sulked and cursed Zizou all day, my thoughts finally went towards the victors.... World Champions Azurri. Having been a staunch member of the German/French camp, I had never given serious consideration to Italian chances or the arduos journey they had to undertake.
Consider this, Italian Serie A is in turmoil. A match-fixing scandal has unfloded, involving officials from four major clubs including Juventus, who maybe relegated to not second... but third division. Almost the entire current squad will be affetced by these turn of events.
When the game finally went to PK’s italians must have been the more nervous of the two. With a 0-3 record in WC PK’s you dont want to be another WC PK. The 12 goals scored by Italy in the WC had been by 11 different players. How could a team with no prominent stiker, and defenders scoring more goals than strikers hope to World Beaters.
Cannazaro’s men had battled all odds beating favorites and hosts Germany in a humdinger of a Semi-Final. The Germans were beaten for the first time on a ground, they had never been beaten on. Yeah Yeah..... Zizou was on the verge of immortality, but the Azzuri deserved every bit of the cup for the way they played, and their unique style and stratergy.
Having pointed out all the things that were against Italy in their bid to win the cup, I end with one very interesting statistic which beats all. From 1970 onwards, Italy have followed, what I like to call "the twelve year final, twenty-four year win" technique, which has been proved successful once again. In 1970 they were beaten by Brazil in the final. They next reached the final twelve years later, in 1982, which they won. (Go Rossi!!) Next they reached the final again in 1994 against Brazil, which they lost. Finally, twelve years later i.e present day, they reach the final again in 2006 and won it. So be assured italy, you dont have to worry about soccer for the next twelve years, and not worry about winning the cup again for the next twenty four years. Take that Zizou!!!!!
P.S
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