Italy Wins the World Cup- Zidane a Disgrace

Well, there we were, sitting in the livingroom, glued to the TV. I was so wanting France to win...afterall, it was Zinadine Zidane's final international game, a player who came out of retirement to serve his country, a player whose ability and talent I have respected and admired for many years was to once again, serve France.


Nearly 2 hours later, I was sitting hunched, shocked, watching a mature and respected footballer act like a twelve year old, head-butting an Italian and subsequently being shown the red card in the final 10 minutes of extra time.



This wasn't a hot-headed young Beckham of '98 or the Rooney of 2006 being sent-off through their immaturity and inability to control their passion for the game.

This was a highly respected footballer of another generation, the French captain, the one person who all the French players look to for guidance and with respect. And he, in full view of officials and the world-wide audience, exchanged words with Materazzi, then turned round, and squarely and with full intention, head-butted the Italian in the chest, with full venom and no apology.

He didn't just let himself down. He let his players down, the French fans down, and above all, his country down. His red-card secured Italy's victory and was the final nail in the coffin after Henri was substituted, ensuring that when it reached penalties, France would fail.

He failed himself and he failed the World Cup. An amazing player who should have bowed out with honours, will be written in history in a different light.

No mention will be made of the European medals he has won, no mention of the caps he earned, no mention of the international respect he achieved.

He will just be remembered as 'the one who head-butted that Italian in the 06 World Final' in years to come.

What a way to finish your career.

What an idiot.