P.S. What is all the rubbish about NFL and other amerian sports being so good? How can yu have a world championship that doesn't involve any other countries?

As for NFL...rugby (league and union) are far harder sports that that bunch of silk waring, purse carrying, buttercup sport! With all that padding you get the idea they are trying to compensate for something...And with all thoes "time-outs" you're better taking a bed along as it's gonna a be a long boring night!

rich you will notice that a number of correspondents have mentioned nfl which has nothing to do with the soccer world cup and has to be among the most boring of any sports ever devised. no one except zidane knows why he headbutted the guy and the assumptions that there were racist comments made have no basis. he may still have been a great player but a lot of the gloss has been taken off by the unfortunate end to his career. from your comments about lashing out im glad i have not had to play against you people who lash out should not be playing

i sould add that i would have preferred france to win

and for the people who disapproved the comment football is becoming too soft. upper classes buying tickets for £48 a time and cutting out the passionate fans. no real singing in grounds. not saying every game shud end in a fight but the football companies are stopping normal fans enjoying the game.

Couldn't agree more than trial by video. Works great post-match in aussie rules football and also during the matches in cricket. There are a zillion cameras these days, it would be very easy to set up.

And while we're on the topic of rule changes, they should also award penalties against the attacking team if a forward takes a dive in the box - send it down the other end for a penalty! That will sort out some of these turkeys. Love the world game (football) but truly, if you watched rugby or aussies rules week in week out, you'd see what real match hardness is all about. And so sorry to you americans, there's no padding worn in either sport.

Who seriously agrees that Italy would have been given that penalty against Australia if they were playing one of the great footballing nations (brazil, argentina, germany, england, spain, netherlands etc.), rather than the new kids on the block? That's the achilles heel of the world cup, politics.

A disgrace to all football, a shameful moment for France, a tragic finale to a magnificent career. ZZ is now dead as a football great, his name belongs on the wimp and cowards list. We can no longer mention him to our children!

At last, video replay is introduced to football, albeit through the back door. The result? A (great) player who committed a violent act (probably provoked) is sent off.

There should be no turning back now. We owe that fourth/fifth official a great debt of gratitude. He may not realize it, but he has made a great contribution to what could be a beautiful game.

We should have no sympathy, only comtempt, for the French coach who is outraged that the violence was exposed.

Let me just be the first to say, Zidane's actions were in bad taste, but Materazzi used a racial slur against Zidane's family regarding his Algerian decent, perhaps the worst there is, was that in good taste, no.

Jim, Soni, well said. In my opinion the person who should be thrown out is the instigator of the situation. Which was clearly Materazzi. A response or reaction should never be judged outside the contexts of the initial action(s). So if we are going to get instant replay involved we need to instant replay the whole situation from begining to end with audio and video to see where the real fault lies. By the way Bob a disgrace to football are the fans that pass judgement without all the information, like ...

Verbal assault is as bad as physical.
Video replay is a half picture, audio replay should also be done, so we all know what instigated ZZ to do what he did. It's hard to believe ZZ just reacted to nothing.
Now, should action be punished or the reaction ?
And, Materazzi was definitely very immature on the podium.

I say well done to Italy, it's always a great achievement to win the World Cup but I don't think they quite realise how prestigious the prize really is, or at least you wouldn't have thought so by the way certain players were manhandling the trophy whilst up on the podium. Players, including Materazzi, were doing what can only be described as violating the trophy. They seemed to think it fun to keep palming the spherical surface, trying to liplock the trophy before the captain, Cannavaro, had even made the podium and Materazzi was attempting to put the trophy under his shirt...interesting and as funny as putting the rather large Italian decorated top hat on the trophy was, I'm sure it could have waited until the trophy was lifted, after all, that's surely where the final element of suspense lies. It seemed a shame that weeks of work was eventually tainted, in my mind at least, by some pretty childish messing around on the podium, after all, this tournament has a certain expectation from players and this wasn't displayed too well on this particular occasion.
As for Zidane, I'd say it was an interesting way to end a career but certainly a memorable one. I'm sure he'll be missed by the nation and the rest of the world (of which he was named best player a number of times).

Bob, you are a wimp and a coward. That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read calling Zidane a wimp. He was playing injured, initially asking to be replaced because his shoulder was so tweaked. He came back and played despite being in pain because his teammates needed him, he is a warrior. Zidane is still one of the greatest player of his generation despite what happened tonight. Obviously it was a big mistake and he regrets the headbutt, but there is no question the Italians play dirty and are crybabies and Materazzi must have said something so disrespectful, that Zidane wanted to punish him. The fact that Zidane didn't turn the other cheek does not make him a coward, he is a warrior and will be remember as a winner. Your comments are ignorant and pitiful, I feel sorry for your kids.

i agree wit u Nav

His conduct today was very out of order, but also very out of character: - Zizou is still the greatest footballer I have had the pleasure to support over the years, and he will remain my hero. Anyone for a sing along?

"Sometimes it's hard to win the World Cup,
When you headbutt an Italian,
Zizou's had bad times and Zizou's had good times
Doing things the world don't understand

But if you love him
Then please forgive him
Even though he's hard to understand
And if you love him,
Then be proud of him
'Cause after all he IS Zidane

Stand by Zidane,
Give him your cheers to leave to,
Warm memories to think of,
When the nights are cold and lonely
Stand by Zidane
And show the world you love him
Keep giving all the love you can
Stand by Zidane"

Jim, its your kids we should fell sorry for! But then again, violence is so readily accepted in this country that you probably think ZZ's behaviour acceptable. To all but the NRA lunatic fringe the correlation between the casual acceptance of violence (such as ZZ's) and the extremely high levels of violent crime in the States is obvious.

Eric - What makes you think materazzi made a racial slur? I assume he must have, given zidane's reaction, but only materazzi and zidane know.

it is really a tragedy that zizou snapped. a pity. but there it is. i don't think video replay will ever be a formal part of the game - thank god. but i am not sure that the rules preclude the 4th official from observing replays in stadium and reporting infractions to the referee.

i do side with the opinion that the italian must have said something supremely asinine to get zizou to snap. but zizou has been around long enough to know that is a common tactic - prod/insult - to draw violent reactions. (c.ronaldo on wayne rooney just a match ago...)

and i have to say the italian side seemed as amateurish, churlish, peurile and over-dramatic as any modern day team i have seen. they should all win academy awards for their overacting and olympic gold diving medals. that said - all respect to their keeper buffon. he is a true athlete. enjoy this video link...

http://grouper.com/GlobalMedia/MediaDetails.aspx?id=991389

I honestly cannot believe what I am reading! If Materazzi said even the most vile, hideous things to Zidane, violence should never be the reaction. A man can show that he is truly a man when he can handle insults. But the true nature of a man comes through when he cannot handle taunting and name-calling. How pathetic. Guys are constantly talking smack to each other on the field. How can you possibly justify what he did in response to anything Materazzi said. And why is everyone so sure that it was a racial comment anyway? A little paranoid are we?

Canadians...

I can't believe the arguments that, 'because Zidane wasn't seen committing the assault offence by the referee that it shouldn't be acknowledged'. Apart from the fact that cheating within footbal, and especially within this World Cup tournament, is condoned, 'winning is everything and by whatever means' attitude, sportsmanship does not play any part in today's game of football. Diving for penalties, free kicks, and falsely claiming throw-ins and corners, the entire tournament has been a travesty of sportsmanship.

Zidane actually assaulted a person and should actually be arrested for this offence. The fact that the idiot did it in front of millions of witnesses just goes to demonstrate how lacking in 'grey matter' footballers seem to be. Managing a bunch of these people and expecting them to be able to carry out your instructions when left on their own for 90 plus minutes must be an exasperating professional hazard for any footbal manager.

After the England performance I personally think that there should be a review of professional footballers' salaries. Pay good money on prodution of results and subsistence salaries for pathetic displays of 'the goods'. That should motivate the lot of 'em.

Why are you people so typical? When Zidane is at his best, you are all his fans. Now that he has shown that, like all of us, he has weaknesses, he is suddenly a disgrace. He reacted impetuously to the taunting, I agree. He is not a superhero. He, like the rest of us, has limits, beyond which he cannot be pushed. I would never go so far as to say that his career ended in disgrace. I am grateful to him for all that he has done to make himself the best player we have seen in the past 25 years or so. He has done more in his lifetime, for more of his fans, than his detractors will ever do in theirs. We will miss you, Zidane.

I was truly heartbroken to see Zidane walk off the pitch with his head down, right past the trophy. Doubly so, when he was not in the line up for 2nd place medals that he still deserved to get.

***Does anyone know if FIFA rules out a red carded player from getting back to the pitch to receive a medal? Or is this just Zidane not wanting to get back upstairs after the disastrous reaction?***

Personally, I think he just momentarily lost his head amidst the compounded stress and his country's (& truly, the globe) expectations he has been carrying on his shoulders. This can happen to the best of any player, or anyone period.

In my view, Zidane remains one of the best football players that ever graced the field regardless of what happened to set off his reaction today. Long live Zidane! (& may we see him back at play)

France played extremley, well but showed multiple acts of the worst sportsmanship I have ever seen. ZZ's head bunt and the players removing their silver medals as if in contempt! How disrepectful an act towards fifa and the world to say the medal means nothing to you. Imagine an olympic player removing his silver medal in disgust. This is no different. ZZ was justly ejected and after removing their medals I think their was a bit of irony in their, in that france did not deserve to be wearing them in the first place.

VIVA ITALIA 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS

do you honestly not agree with what i said people

ha! I say it was all a conspiracy... the italians knew that there was no way they would win against zidane so they used his temper against him. GRRRRR!! If that materazzi guy really said something "headbutt" worthy like an insult to his parents or culture or religion or something sensitive like that then why should zidane be ashamed? Why is this article saying that zidane will live a horrible life now that he headbutted that dude... says who?! not zidane...

thaaaaank you edmond... Zidane is, in my opinion, one of, if not THE greatest football/soccer player of all time. He shows class, dignity, and grace, especially to his opponents after any victory. This headbutt was clearly an impuslive reaction, as others already pointed out, and must be because of his background and/or religion. Since he is Muslim, much can be said. Materazzi is an immature, selfish fool, and especially because of him, I am all the more upset about the Italian win, even though they deserved to win. It is so sad that he is now retiring, and this is the last that all his fans will "remember him by". Everyone makes mistakes. Why do people try to picture a flawless character as their savior in ANY circumstance? That, itself, is ridiculous. I absolutely adore Zidane as a player, person, and overall, hero. He was the reason France got so far, and blaming him directly for their loss is very stupid. Of course, had he stayed in the game for the PKs, there would be a chance that they would have won, but you can not always rely on one person for the entire team's behalf. I applaud Zidane and I blindly hope he reconsiders his decision to retire and plays football until the Euro 2008, at least. :-/

VIVE LA FRANCE!

I think that France should sue the Judge. He surly was against France. Red card was not justify......
The FIFA should also sue and get off of this judge

Stu Pidassol, do you really think that someone who stands up to being abused, possibly racially taunted, is a "loser and a wussy"to quote your words? if so i really so feel sorry for you

Nice cheap shot, you must really be zidane's little sister. Probably the only one in the world who he can look directly in the eyes any longer.

Enjoy your wine and cheese as the rest of the world laughs at your spineless behavior. You really have a great deal to be proud of.

Gio - thank you, it's nice to see an Italian with a cool head and a good sense of judgement, instead of gloating about your win (very well executed), you are making a sensible assessment of what may have happened.

THATS ENOUGH ALL OF YOU!
This is Materazzi...and I have come to apologize to all of you that what I said was wrong. I was excited and...and...VIVA ITALIA. But seriously, Zidane should not have headbutted me, I bruise real easy along with my fellow players : (

Wow, this discussion kinda got out of hand. I'm gonna leave you all with a little something that Mr.Rogers taught me...WE ARE ALL WINNERS!!!

I'm the Eric who started on post #59. I never called anyone a "wussy". But when dealing with a french cheap shot artist like THE GREAT zidane his character goes without saying.

The fact that anyone is defending this behavior shows how desparate the french are for a hero....any hero.

Narrowly speaking,

Just the facts,

Eric 2

look...zidane didn't have to turn around...and for the accusations that materazzi sad a racial slur or anything of that typ of inflamatory nature, are unfounded accusations...obviously there was trash talking going on...it happens all the time...but for "one of the greats" to act like a child and physically assault another player is rediculous...if that had happened in the states, video footage would have been brought to the courts and zidane could've been charged with felony assault...its as simple as that...

Jimmy, Yes Italy deserved to win. The world cup is more than just playing soccer, it's nations competing against nations. I'm not Italian. However, I've been to Europe on many occasions and found that the Italians are good honest people, who deserve a victory like this. The French on the other hand are arrogant, rude, cheese eating-surrender-monkeys. I'm glad for the Italians.

I'm glad this sport is finally off my TV so I can look forward to pre-season NFL.

There are a lot of very good comments made above and I agree with most of them. ZZ made a massive mistake in his final match, great shame. He is a great player and hopefully will be remembered for that, what he did was unforgiveable and he deserved to go but he must have been goaded into iot, not an excuse but a reason. I agree also with those who say that video evidence should not have been used, but I also think that in this case ZZ had to go or more trouble could have ensued so I think justified and I applaud the officials for makeing a sensible judgement. This should be the initial stage of using the video during games.

if fifa allowed the fourth of fifth official to interven eto have zidane sent off how come we have seen so many dives go unchallenged by these same officials. professional divers spoil the game and should be punished by being permanently put out of the game. some consistancy from fifa please

Marco Materazzi is disgusting "animal" and should be banned from ever playing in FIFA game ever again!

Zidane is a true hero for what he did to Materazzi before he walked away from international soccer -
He got France to the final and scored their only goal - all they had to do was make their penalty shots and they would have won the game - they definitely played better and should not have needed him - so who cares that he headbutted the one guy in the tournament that should have gotten slammed to the ground a long time ago.

after getting to know Mr Materazzi a little better I can certainly understand why Zidane executed that perfect "knock your socks off" head butt to the solar plexus of this jerk.

Somebody needed to hurt this idiot for all the players he has hurt in the game - why would FIFA allow Italy to bring such a player to the World Cup?

What ever happened to "protect to great players" this World Cup?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpG4AHlZrL4&search=mat...

Watch that video and tell me you blame
Zidane for what he did to this idiot.

Clearly ZZ was provoked by that shameless italian...his reaction was not justified, but understandable. He is a human being, and having a thin skin is no crime. i hope history judges him fairly, it ought to!

quoting FIFA

France came close on several occasions and in extra time Zidane would have scored with a header had Buffon not denied him. The night was soon to take an even more devastating turn for Zizou, a moment of madness ensuring that his retirement began at least nine minutes earlier than it should have done.

o ye americans cant comment on wat i just said because thy DONT understand the game!

Che, absolutely, no pinching
I mean, no painful pinching.
If somebody pinches you painfully, you react involuntarely, at least a recoiling or a jerking movement, if not trying to shake off his hand.

You cannot see if there was pinching or not,
but you can see if there was reaction to it or not.
And there was none.
And immediatelly afterwars there was a good-natured smile.

Obviously, it was something that he said later, not pinching.

James - soccer is a contact sport
and "diving" is a part of the game
..nearly every forward does it - some
more obvious than others.

Many coaches will tell their
players to "go down" if solid
contact is made in and around the box...
especially if that contact is made from behind.

I am an attacking player - as a defender
you cannot tackle me from behind - you
cannot kick any part of my foot missing the
ball completely - you cannot use your
upper body to push me off the ball
when I have full possession and I have
already dribbled pass you - you cannot
use your elbows to win headers
- these are things that prevent good
strikers from scoring goals
once they work so hard to get the ball
into the box and take a goal scoring shot - something everyone wants to see more of.

Several games in this world cup - were decided
by penalties and set pieces with players going
down - the Ref is the one that makes those calls
and its his job to determine which players are faking
and which players are being illegally brought down.

che it appears that you are an attacking player and from your reaction one who believes that it is fine to cheat to win. you are correct soccer is a contact sport that does not condone forwards diving to fool the referee into giving a penalty that is called cheating. teams which benefit by cheating in this way should be punished as should players who cheat.fifa needs to be consistant they should adopt a scheme similar to the anstralian nrl and review matches especially in big tournaments after they have taken place , players who are caught diving should be sent home and not be replaced thyereby punishing them and their team, diving would then cease

ur all wrong on this. comment 157 must b a fool cos in the 64 games playd ther have been 157 goals so how he HASNT seen a goal really does confuse me! and wen a goal does go in then it changes a game. unlike all ur crap sports u got over there. and zidane was just defending what could have been said. he is half algerian and racist comments may have been said. i no iv lashed out on a football (soccer) field for a lot less thn te equivalent of racist comments. i also think that the idea that he cant be banned from football came into his mind. stil remembered as a great

Here is documentary evidence of
MATERAZZI's history of violence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpG4AHlZrL4&search=mat...

Trevor: Try going to an inner-city basketball court and use racial slurs towards people with a different ethnic background than yours. Write your will beforehand, though. That's the way these kind of things can get across in Europe. Many of the European players had to fight as kids and not responding to insults was looked upon as weakness. Professionals or not, there are buttons that can be pushed especially in a charged competitive situation.

No offense, but the prep school style of soccer played in your neighborhood cannot trully rank as competitve activity, and that's why they call it soccer, not football.

I dont see what the deal is here? if you were in a bar or out somewhere and someone has been pushing your buttons for the past 2 hours and then he tops it off by saying somethin about your culture or backround? of course you will react in the same way? maybe even worse, im sure if zidane had a corona bottle in his hand he would of killed him. because he is a great player. also he is one of the greatest footballers alive. who at zidane's age can run and play football like him?
Zidane is a great...and will always be remembered as one. trust me. at the end of the day, we are all humans.

Mark - watch the video again
- Materazzi pinched Zidane in his chest - he initiated the 'illegal' physical contact - not Zidane (even though Zidane's reaction was a lot more calculated and precisely executed - he did not initiate it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBV52GPhNjw
then they exchanged words - keep in mind...how
many times he was fouled and the Ref did not call it.... Italy came into the game with 1 strategy - control and frustrate Zidane and they did... they got him thrown out of the game...no one is saying what he did was ok...he got a red card and he deserved it... but both players should have both been thrown out -

none of the refs saw what happened - only after they went to instant replay - did Zidane get a red card and that completely changed the game - if you are gonna go to instant replay and toss a player out of the game - then both players should go... the one that initiated the incident and also the one that reacted inappropriately.

Trevor - yes - players do say things during a game to try and anger other players and cause them to lash out and get thrown out of the game - but, if FIFA wanted they could prevent that from happening and punish players who resort to such tactics - there is such a thing as fair play in the FIFA handbook.

Zidane snapped - but, he is not crazy....he was definitely provoked - yes, what he did was wrong and it cost his team the ultimate prize - but bottomline is Italy cheated and got away with it...
Materazzi is a jerk - up to that point in the game, Zidane was definitely MVP - especially if France went on to win the game...players like Materazzi should never ever be allowed to play in a World Cup competition - he disrespected Zidane on his last game - maybe some people enjoying getting their nipples pinched on national TV with 30 billion people watching - but after watching the replay - anyone - wheth

I say that was a hell of a way to go out in style! Right on Zidane!!

Che,
I have recorded the match on hard drive in full broadcast resolution 720x576 and watched the moment many times.
I don't think that Materazzi pinched him.
Because there was no immediate reaction of any kind from Zidane, and afterwards Zidane smiled at Materazzi.
I think it must have been something that Materazzi said afterwards, when Zidane was walking/running forward in front of Materazzi but still could hear him

THAT VIDEO CONFIRMS IT ALL. ITALY WON BY CHEATING...AND NO WAY DO THEY DESERVE THE TITLE OF 2006 CHAMPIONS.
ZIDANE'S ACTIONS ARE JUST!

Just? ?a? ?short? ?reminder? ?to?:?? Bo (156)

If? ?it? ?was? ?nto? ?for? ?a ?stupid? ?Italian? ?play? ?goaling? ?in? ?their? ?own?,?? ?the? ?Americans? ?would? ?have? ?left? ?the? ?World? ?Cup? ?with? ?zero? ?points?.?? ?I? ?think? ?the? ?Americans? ?have? ?a? ?long? ?way? ?to? ?go? ?before? ?they? ?can? ?get? ?far?.?

Simply? ?said?,?? ?you? ?do? ?not? ?have? ?a? ?football? ?culture?.?? Honestly, I think its going to take a while for you to produce world-class players.

Ps, Ana, I like the way u think ; )

james, you couldnt be more correct!

You watched it "many times" and you don't think Materazzi pinched him?

...are you serious?

he pinched him - anyone can see that - Zidane walked away initially...and then obviously whatever Materazzi said caused him to lash out... but he did pinch him.

Very bad day for ZZ but you gotta give it to the ref for using the common sense to get the assistance of the 4th official to check replays!! This is exactly why they should be implemented into football, he deserved to go and the replay showed that!! It was such a big match and a massive descision that he needed to get perfect and did!!

Firstly, I would like to apologize for the ridiculous comments of Stu Pidassol, Eric, and any other American making comments of their nature. Please—not all Americans are like that, and I am ashamed to see “USA” next to their names. You are an embarrassment to all Americans, and you have added to our already soiled reputation of arrogance, ignorance, and stupidity. As for any other remarks against France made by Americans, try opening a history book some time—that is if any of you from Los Angeles know how to read.

Speaking as an American, I would like to add that American football is ridiculous. Saying that football players are more athletic or talented than soccer players is a joke. If you don’t like soccer, you are wasting everyone’s time by posting on this website.

Speaking as an American whose origins are 100% Italian, the Italian soccer team has played with the least integrity of anyone in this tournament, which is a shame because they have many good players and don’t need to resort to underhanded maneuvers. I’m not exactly condoning Zizou’s actions, but he is human and everyone has a breaking point, something that Materazzi obviously tapped into with expertise that can only come from years of practice. As Gio said above, I do believe in standing up for oneself. While I think it’s a true shame that Zizou’s career has ended on such a bad note, he will be remembered for what he truly is—the world’s best soccer player. Materazzi will be remembered as the coward who was only ever touched by talent or greatness when Zinedine Zidane’s head touched his chest.

Zidane is a footballer, let's not loose sight of this fact. As far a society goes he, and a few other thousand of them, would be 'stacking shelves in Tesco's' if they weren't 'talented' in kicking a small sphere around a field.

Taking all of the above into consideration, I agree that amongst the, 'small sphere kicking fraternity' Zidane was/is pretty good, but just stop and think for a minute and apply all of your 'support for Zidane's situation' into any other profession. "He was a great teacher but I understand why he head butted that student", or, "What a fantastic doctor, pity about the way he assaulted his last patient", or, "This man/woman was an exemplary police officer, if they hadn't thumped their suspect".

I take it you get my point. And these people are on fantastic salaries, reified above all reasonable recognition, role models for our children, (and many adults), and only really expected to perform once a week and occasionally at prestigious events like the World Cup. And they can't even be professional then? I see a good case for amatuer status!

Hmm.. I disagree with you, Peter. You can't apply "regular" jobs to his... that's kinda out of line. I was expecting you to say sometihng like "Keep in mind that he is a footballer, therefore he has extreme talent." He regretted it afterwards, and in soccer, many people have been accused of headbutting... many people in such professions as a schoolteacher are not, however. I STAND BY ZIDANE!!

France was clearly in control of the game and playing superbly for the most part and they just might have won had Henry not left and Zidane committed his impetuous act. Hopefully Zidane will soon do some explaining re: his actions - that should answer a lot of questions... and initiate new debates.:)

I say GOOD FOR ITALY! Zinedine Zidane acted like a true Frenchman, and the Italians have class. The French have never been good sports, in sports or pollitics. The last time the french ever won anything meaningful, was the French revolution. That's because they were fighting other Frenchmen.

Congratulations Italy, you deserve it.

First of all i would like to say ZZ wouldn't have acted out unless provoked. Materazzi said "How does it feel to play for a african team". If he said that too me, i'd had kick him in the head too

I can only reply by stating the obvious, his regret is probably due to being caught out. But then again I can't speak for the guy. If anything, and I really believe that he can't be a complete idiot, the fact that he performed his act in front of millions just goes to show how irate he was at the time of the incident. But I'm sure that the saying of, 'sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me' is known outside of Britain.

My point is that there seems to be some support for his actions. 'T' of Ontario is more in line with my opinion in the fact that resorting to violence in whatever guise or, dare I say, 'profession', is totally unacceptable. Especially when the citing offence is only verbal! It is the stuff of children, and young children at that. Not role model 'sportsmen'.

I'm reading a lot of nonsensical comments regarding Zidane's behavior in the final match. Zidane has been around the game for a long time. Verbally attacking other players occurs all the time. In a game this big Zidane needs to keep his cool. You know the old chant that children use, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." Why don't we wait to hear from Zidane about what provoked his headbutt and then the (no pun) rebuttal from Materazzi.

What about being accused of playing for an Australian team? That could also be pretty insulting to some people! Worthy of a beating, Tony?

Also Zidane didn't kick anybody in the head!!!

The Italians are very dirty, using any tactics to get the upper hand. Materazzi's words which provoked Zidane were just like Totti's dive in the last minutes of the Australia and Italy game.

Zidane has accomplished everything. He will not be remembered for his actions today, but rather for all the great things he has done for futbal. We love you for the entertainment and grace you have provided. France is very lucky to have such a great man represent their country. There are countless examples of his discipline, class and caring nature (e.g., how he visited Ronaldo in 1998).

Finally, as far as is actions, he was taken down 2-3 times in the first half without a foul, his shoulder was injured and he went on, his header missed in extra time, and lastly Materazzi must have really been offensive. You add all that to the pressure of the World Cup for the aging superstar and MVP and you will get a reaction. Materazzi is the one who will have trouble looking in the mirror and even fail to enjoy the sweet victory that Zidane has already tasted and enjoyed.

Zidane, we will love you forever! Your the best!

sad to see a giant of the game falling prey to a member of the" italiano fascismo ". it is a sad reflection on football in general, [ see every league in europe} that the best game of the world cup will be remembered for what was said rather than for what happened before the red card. ZIZU you let every football fan down. i bet paulo di cainio cant see a problem !!!!!!!!!!

Dear Zizou,
We feel your great pain. We respect you, we admire you and we will always love you.
You did your best and that was great you. Without you France will never have made it this far.
Best regards

I am curious why Zidane did not come back out to get his medal (albeit 2nd place)?

*Does anyone know if FIFA rules out a red carded player from getting back to the pitch to receive a medal?*

I think Zidane could have come back out, addressed the head butting incident (perhaps apologized) --- to leave with a better send-off image for himself (and the whole team).

I am wondering whether there are any rules that prevented him from doing so - or if it was his own decision?

Eric, only someone in America could make a statement as uneducated and biased as that.

it doesn't matter what Materazzi said, whatever it was Zidane should be mature enough to not react to this. those are professional soccer players, they probably heard all the insults in the world throughout their career! Zidane should have ignored Materazzi.
What a shameful end to (what could have been) the perfect soccer player career

Davgil, it is a perfect soccer career. He has had a red card before....he was perfect after those too. This just happened to be his last game. How shortsighted to look at one game and judge his entire career. We still love you Zidane !

Nav,
I'm not saying he doesn't have a great soccer career, i am saying it's not perfect.
He will always be remembered for the headbutt, like maradonna is remembered to score a goal with his hand

I agree that Materazzi must have made some time of slur to Zidane to make him snap. Zidane is one of the greats of all time. In my opinion, it was both his individual skill and leadership that got France to the final. He completely controlled the midfield against Spain and Brazil. He played a good portion of the second half and overtime with a hurt shoulder. How different this post would be if Buffon didn't make that marvelous save against Zidane's header.

Hey Stu Pidassol...a true Frenchman? Of all the times I've watched the Italians play their "soccer" I've done nothing but laugh. Yes there are some good players on the Italian team but they are far better actors. The way they fake injuries or fouls just to have the upperhand is hilarious. Never been good at sports you say, second place in the World Cup aint that bad.

It is blind faith that leads these "fans" to defend Zidane's violence. Obviously it was a horrible lapse of judgement, period. Trash talking is a part of not just soccer but basically every team sport there is on that level. Headbutting your opponent might not be a good idea when there is 10 minutes left in the championship game of the World Cup. Zidane will and should regret what he did. He should apologize regardless of any provocation.

ZIDANE is a wussy, that penalty shot that he scored was crap, he never got touched, he did was the whole france team does, fall down and pretend there hurt then when it gets called pop right up and pretend like nothing happened, Zidane will be remembered as a loser

lycra , shoulder pads, helmets [ albeit viagra induced] oxygen masks !!, and the only people who actually use their feet are told they are not footballers !!!!!!!. only in america

It does not matter if Zidane was goaded. What he did was childish, and if he was not retiring i would push for him being banned from playing. He retires in Disgrace. The french team should not be defending Zidane, for he was one of there best penalty kickers. They should shun him to make him realize that he might have caused the loss. I am happy Italy won. The supposed kings of diving played an excellent match, and i think it's ironic that France got there regulation play goal from an enormous flop.
VIVA ITALIA!!!

Now Sean, dont be so harsh. What you said was pretty mean. Did I bring you up that way...I dont think so. You should apologize dont you think...EH?

m...thank you for your comment.
Bob grwo the f up!
zz is a phenomenal player,he snaped no excuse for that, it doesn't make him a bad evil person we need to hide from kids, and again grow the f up, kids are not some innocent creatures, and they're not stupid either, they understand the reality of life way more than you think. Please not the monica lewinski syndrome again...with clinton eveil person, what are we gona tell the kidds, get real, sooner or later even kids confront reality, which is not all made out of fairy tails.
zz a genius, just like maradona and ronaldino
geniuses are also humans...

haha if only i knew where u lived mom

Alex...I told you already, your grounded from using the computer. Get upstairs and finish your homework. I dont want to have this talk again...

You are right Sean!

Zidane will be remembered as a loser and a wussy.

I'm glad Italy won, they deserve it. Now enough of this.

Soccer is boring, and they NEVER EVER GET A DAMN GOAL. You can watch for hours and hours, game after game, and never see a freakin' goal. Defense only is horribly boring.

NFL is REAL Football.

Italy win but honour is absent

As a good friend of mine noted in a post-match SMS from the other end of the globe "The game is dead when a team is rewarded for cheating"

The philosophy of Sportsmanship is what enoblest and raises sport above our more primitive instincts. It is about opponents facing each other on a level playing field, with honour and self-respect. It seeks to find the greater in skill, courage and endurance and will suffer no unfair advantage.

Italy were demonstrably outplayed on the field and showed less heart and sportsmanship than their opponents in game after game. From their shameless diving for fouls, to their baby-like crying to gain sympathy at the slightest knock, the Italian's played to win at all costs, seeking every opportunity to fool the referee and getting away with it (while the world watched their acting up-close in the video replay.

What a bitter irony then to see the video-refereeing that would have seen them out of the tournament long ago finally being used not against them but against their opponents.

A shameful and sad way to win a game, after all, don't good people say it's not who wins but how you play the game.

I agree with sam, only in america can there be someone as disgustingly narrow-minded as Eric

Do you seriously think they deserved to win??? Don't know which world cup you were watching

After all the cheating the italians did during this world cup... i can only say matarazzi got what he deserved, would have preferred it to happen to grosso though

Eric, if you hadn't noticed, i'm italian, and am overjoyed at our glorious world cup victory, i just think if people stand up for what they believe is morally wrong, they should not be called a loser or a "wussy"

Actually rhose were Erics words.

...but I was happy to quote him.

The guy ended his carreer acting like a poor sport. As for being racially taunted we don't know really for sure if that's true. We do know for a fact that the head butt did occur. A true sportsman would not have been riled by those comments. That makes him a poor sport. I'm happy Italy won, they deserve it.

to Eric from USA

1. your "football" is not real football,
it is american rugby, that what it is.
You have no right to call the real football "soccer",
because the word "soccer" has meaning only in England and nowhere else, because The Football Association is in England.
But I think that English do not think that using a slang word is suitable for World Cup either (I'm not sure)
I think we should call the thing you have in America
Super Bowl of yankee rugger

2. Football, unlike your american rugby,
is a very brutal sport, lots of injuries from kicks to shins, heads banging into each other, taking the ball with your face, etc.
Your american rugby is a girlie game, in comparison with real football. Yet your players are wearing those ridiculous things on their shoulders to appear more manly to cheerleaders

3. As to the penalty kick,
It certainly was a real fall, you cannot stay on your feet when you are about to land on your right foot,
but it is pushed behind your left foot.
The touch was not deliberate and very mild, but enough to do the damage. Not sure if it deserved a 12 yard penalty,
but there was another similar but much more serious situation lalter on and French were not awarded a penalty kick, so lack of consistency, or perhaps the referee thought the first penalty was not fully deserved.

4. As to Zidane, a very unfortunate and stupid thing to do, correctly punished.
And very selfish, he should have beaten Materazzi after the match.
Perhaps some lip-reading specialists could tell us what exactly Materazzi said?

Zidane is an exceptional player. Not only is he exceptional as a player but, demonstrates what soccer can be. He is not a player to dive, take cheap shots nor one who attempts to sabotage his opponent. His headbutt to a notoriously dirty and minimally talented (by fifa standards) soccer player was surprising to say the least. To hurt his team and himself, it must have been an attack on something of consequence. The choice (if one would call it that) to retaliate in the way that he did, could have been otherwise. The dives and unrecognized fouls by italians on the French; two injuries requiring numbing, and one of which resulted in departure from the field.. The only one who can confirm why he reacted in the way that he did is Zidane. The red card was deserved but in a way, tragic. One of the greatest soccer players of our time and perhaps more, ZZ is unforgettable. On the "win": France outplayed Italy without contest. To play a game of defence and wait for the penalty kicks, shames what soccer could be. The Italians, the divers, the false stars, they are not the better team. They are the pragamatists who bleed the life from authentic sport. It was very depressing to see this lesser team be awarded the title. *I am neither Italian nor French, this is not a nationalistic rant--it is that of a spectator of the sport, appreciating soccer when played well.

There are more injuries in (association) football than in american rugby football, and more serious ones.
Sure, perhaps it is because footballers do not wear so much protection as in american rugby. perhaps it is unfair to compare.

Personally, I don't know much about your american rugby, because i don't like to watch it,
it is a very static game, an action lasts seconds and then minutes of off-time, while players are changing, etc.
The 10 yard lines seem like a great thing to improve rugby, but in fact, the normal rugby is much more dynamic game and fun to watch

Trial by video. Until this is written in the laws of the game, it should not be used.

Mark.

In all fairness, I try to watch all FOOTBALL types of sports.

I have satelite coverage of all types of games. Soccer does not compare to rugby or football. The NFL, Australian Rules Footbal, and Rugby are far superior to soccer. Look at the meat and muscle in the NFL. It's unsurpassed.

Good night everybody. It's been fun.

Congratulations to the Italians.

They deserve the victory.

I'm going to sleep. Peace...Out. Stu.

Well, offensive comments are part and parcel of
the game. Zidane should have shown more
discipline. Being such a famous player he has more
responsibility to shoulder. He should not have allowed himself to be manipulated by some idiot. Plus looking at zidanes past history, he does seem capable of blowing up. What if something more serious happened to Masterazzi. Violence should
not be acceptable PERIOD.

Yank's stick to your silly childish running around with helmets and tight pants, leave the real game to the men as it's ment to be.
oh forgot you'll kick our ass at anything, sorry !

Where did the accusations that the italian said something about Zidane's family, or that he asked how it was to play on an african team come from? I bet Al-Jazeerah had something to do with this. Its probably true, but how did they know?

Alan,

That's right. We will kick your ass at anything. Those are your words, not mine.

Stu - NFL is a man's sport???

American Football is played with your hands - and you call it football ... could you be anymore confused than that?

soccer/football is a game of skill with your feet - both men and women play the game - you obviously have some sexist issues...

I am a man and I play football/soccer and I can assure you with a ball at my feet I will run circles around you and your lean mean 277 pound buddy Daunte Culpepper...so take that crap somewhere else.

Soccer is played by millions around the world - both men and women - the same cannot be said for American Football - so comparing the NFL to Football/Soccer is ridiculous - the objective of our game is to score goals and win - not hurt intentionally try hurt other players and get them thrown out of the game so you can gain an unfair advantage... maybe thats something you don't understand... but that would explain why you would support Italy and how they won the World Cup.

also, soccer is a great sport but we will always call it soccer - just get over it! There are good and bad parts to soccer and football. Soccer is ruined by diving. How to combat this? replay duh! Punish the diving severely and you will greatly improve soccer at that level. Football needs more continuous action and shorter games. Especially college football and I am a big fan. At least match the NFL time management rules such as not stopping the clock for a first down or running out of bounds except the last couple of minutes. A freakin college football game takes 4 hours. Way too long.

Che.

The problem with your game is that YOU NEVER SCORE GOALS!!!! You can spend hours watching soccer and never see a goal. I have tried this year to appreciate nyour sport. I have spent hours watching soccer. I have yet to see an actual goal. It is true that I happen to be out of the room when goals are scored, but an HOUR AND A HALF of a game that ONLY PLAYS DEFENSE, IS BORING!!!!

Widen the net or give some offense because this sport sucks!!!

Sure, there are boring soccer matches but not many in this World Cup.
In some matches nothing happens even though the time is always on, just burning time by both teams.
But in nfl, there are short actions that usually go nowhere, followed by longer interruptions, then the game resumes for a few seconds, then again, interrupted, and so on. It seems that in nfl by the very rules of the game mostly nothing happens - in each match.
Worse than NFL I can think only of baseball,
that is a strange game where the players seem to walk around, spit, and scratch themselves, nothing else going on there.

As to "meat and muscle",
sure, there is a specialization in nfl,
one guy who has brains, others - former professional sprinters, and some others, former professional wrestlers
Specialization.

And yes, rugby may be every bit as fascinating as soccer and even sometimes more. Attacks like tsunami waves.

The USA will win a world cup some day, and sooner than you think.

That is probably because your american commentary sucks.
Switch to spanish sound stream.
Then you will hear, when the commentator starts screaming, run back to the room
and you will not miss the goals.

Stu,

Any time you fancy it buddy, but you'll need to wait while I have my pre-match barbie in the car park then get paddied up and we can get on with the first quater, innings or what ever you want to call it !!!

PS can't wait to get our ass whipped in Ryder cup again this year........

Stu - sucks for you cause you are not a player and can't appreciate what the game is all about.

Afterall - the game is played and appreciated from a players perspective.. we love soccer cause we play the game - from age 6 to age 60+ - people from all walks of life.

from a spectator point of view - the cumulative worldwide audience for this World Cup exceeded 30 billion people - what other sport can compete with that? Maybe you think the sport is boring...but for a true soccer fan... there is nothing that can compare to the "beautiful game."

We have plaenty of Spanish channels here in California.

The problem is they don't speak proper Castilian Spanish, but broken Latin Spanish.

BOTOM LINE...THE NFL RULES!!!!

GOOD NIGHT PEOPLE.

Watch NFL EUROPE Or the Canadian Fooltball league to see a real sport.

Good night and good luck.

first things first:

get your facts right: its called football! its existed far longer than american football, and the world population refers to the game as football more than soccer.

secondly, what's with this american hate to the french? its so silly how most americans insult anything they do not understand! from sports to cultures to politics.....

now.... as for what zidane did. it was definitely not something to be proud of, but u cant deny that it is going to go down in history, and as badly as it does mark this player... no one in time will deny that he is one of the great players that graced the fields.

congrads to the italians. the french played far better, any football fan would agree... but what's done is done.

looking forward to 2010!

Anyone who that justifies what Zidane did because he was "provoked" has never played soccer in any type of competitive style. If you had you would know that there are always verbal insults among forwards and defenders and you usually just gotta tune it out. I played defense for many years in semi-pro leagues, and I have heard it all from the forwards I defended. Did I ever respond violently to them? No! Zidane is an experienced pro so I'm sure he has heard it all. Do you really think in his 20 year career he has never heard a racial slur? Give me a break. That is just a weak excuse to justify his actions. I believe he has tainted his reputation in the eyes of many fans as this will be the first thing to come up when discussing his career. He cost he team the biggest game, in an unjustifable way. There is no excuse for it.

What Zidane did, he did it to his own team and to France, so leave it to French to judge him.
What Materazzi did, he did it to the other team,
and that is not excusable.
Sure, there are people who think that Maradona does not deserve the death penalty. I am not one of them.

Bo

You're kidding, right??

Pro football summary.

Score a touchdown.

Commercial.

Kick the extra point.

Go to commercial.

Kick off.

Time for a commercial.

That doesn't happen in college.

With apologies to Jimmy...

Gattuso's comments about Zidane before the game..

"You don't stop Zidane," he said.

"Maybe he stops himself if he is not in form. You have to try to control him and if you want to limit his effect you need a bit of luck and need to make the sign of the cross," he said.

"But he's 34 and playing in his last game. We have to hope that on Sunday he doesn't have much petrol left in the engine."

After 111 minutes ... and enduring every dirty trick in the book that Italy used to try and control Zidane - he obviously still had a lot of "petrol left in the engine" - Materazzi is a coward and I hope he is banned by FIFA once they review the incident.

Excellent performance by the French today - Buffon
kept Italy alive throughout this tournament and I applaud him, Canavaro, Pirlo and Toni for the way they played - nuff respect!

A few comments from a once-in-a-while soccer watcher.

Soccer (football) is a great sport to watch with some amazing athletes. Who cares if there isn't much scoring. There is plenty to enjoy in the action that takes place.

France outplayed Italy from the 2nd half on until the penalty kicks. France picked a bad time to get outplayed.

ZZ probably cost France the World Cup with his stupid reaction. I can't believe all the people who are defending how he reacted. Is he still a great soccer player? Yes. Does that change the fact that he responded horribly? NO!

There was a bunch of diving and acting on both sides. I thought several players were mortally wounded until nothing was called and then they miraculously hopped back up and continued playing. And I saw as many French elbows thrown as Italian.

I want the next person who claims ZZ was insulted with racial slurs to link a site where that is shown. Either that or quit making up why ZZ HAD TO react the way he did.

BTW Che, I noticed how ZZ was trying not to hurt the Italian when he headbutted him in the chest.

Disco, any sport where you have no pads and smash into each other is a tough sport. I wouldn't want to play it.

Mark, I couldn't agree more. I don't understand that much Spanish, but all the games I watched this World Cup were on the Spanish broadcast.

Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool.

I agree with Bob (no 3). I don't care what Materazzi said to Zidane - when you're the captain of the French team and have played international football for so long, surely you should know that some players are going to try and provoke you - that's the name of the game. I think Zidane is a half-wit for having having let his team down in the last moments of the game. I was rooting for the French, but am now glad the Italians won.

I think what Zidane did was brilliant and he should not take to verbal abuse. I agree with others on the fact that verbal abuse is just as bad as physical, and what Zidane did should not be shown as shameful, but as a remarkable way to end his career.

Although I respect Zidane, the officals were right to send him off the pitch. Nobody should get away with that kind of dangerous and unsporting behavior.

I am very happy that Italy won, but if an Italian player head butted somebody, I would expect him to be sent off as well.

It's just a shame that people will be talking about that incident instead of remembering all the good things about Zidane just like people still complain about Roberto Baggio's missed penalty kick in 1994, even though he was a great player.

first off all....u didn't win if at the end of regulation and two over times you tied 1-1...and for everyone saying that the italians are actors and drama queens...that PK the france was awarded in the beginning of the game, the french player wasn't even touched...if anything the italian was trying to get out of the way as to not trip him...so talk about fakers and wussys...that award goes to the french

Zidane was my hero until this match; whatever was said, he lost his temper and the French side suffered. I wanted France to win but their class and elegance was lost in his stupid headbutt. It wa the proper call but it hurt a fan to see Zidane leave the pitch in such a disgrace. I thought he was more mature.

Tim,

What a joke! You must want to sit on your daddy's knee so bad and comfort him after his "great error" but the truth is you are blind, it was the typical french move of crying like a little baby that allowed your daddy to score a VERY UNDESERVED penalty shot.

Eric 2

Wake up and smell the cafe au lait!

Stu, steer clear of generalisations. My comment on italy not deserving to win is based on their unattractive, dare i say cheating style of play... no reflections on the italian people who i agree, are generous, honest people. Shame their football team isn't.

Notwithstanding anyone who is calling the NFL ''REAL football" (why are you even here Stu?) France was the better team today. A result based on penalty kicks is complete BS.

While the logistics would be challenging, in matches like todays, it should remain a draw with a rematch in 3-4 days.

As for ZZ's head butt, it was disgracefull. He's a pro, other pros will try to get under your skin, that stuff happens. You either take it and continue or you explode and cost your team.

Reminds me of a local minor league pro hockey team here in Long Beach. During pre game warmup a player asked an oppisition player,

"How's your wife and my kid?"

The response was,

"The wife is fine, the kid's a freaking retard"

If minor league hockey players can handle that crap, shouldn't the world's best footbal players rememeber that there is no "I" in the word team and act like pros.

What ever you say all of you, you will never reach the talent of Zidane and the problem that you know that...never nver and never. France did a great job, it's not succor but ART

Kudos right back at you, Stu!

Eric 2

i don't think as many people would feel that the italian style of soccer is cheating had it not been for the contriversy witht he gambling there...just because one's country's style of soccer is different from anothers doesn't mean it's cheating...so what if they didn't look as "pretty' w/ their style of play...or so what if they were waiting for PK's...the fact of the matter is that the italians did what they needed to do to win baised on the FIFA rules...
and it's not just the italians that dive...everyone is doing it...so don't pin it on one team...

Ha! all soccer players are actors... they should replace the world cup trophy with an oscar statuette, much more appropriate for the italians

Zidane has played this game before. He should know that people come after the best in every way imaginable. He allowed himself to be beaten by a much less skillful player. What if it was a fan yelling something horrible at the player? Is the headbutt excusable then? Responding to whatever might have been said by sinking one into the back of the net would have better served Zidane. Then a simple "Scoreboard" would be the only response needed. It was a shame to watch him leave the pitch early, but he earned every bit of the red.

You're an idiot. France lost - Zidane lost his temper and Italy won. Great players don't retire in disgrace, he did. I liked him more than any other player but I lost respect for him tonight. Slurs, insults, etc. -- all players suffer. Great players ignore and make the impossible shots. A headbutt is not one of those...

C, the italians are not seen as cheats because of the match fixing allegations, its because they dive at the first sign of contact. I'm not saying it's only the italian team, it's everyone in modern football, but the italians seem to take pleasure in diving and getting rewarded... if they're going to use video refereeing, they should hand out retrospective yellow and red cards for simulation (diving)

I can't condone what ZZ did, who can. But when no officials see the foul and a fifth one uses video to have a player on the field sent off you have opened the door to video replay and about time too. I hope that FIFA decides to review every penalty call in future WC's before awarding it and that every game is reviewed and divers are punished.

While ZZ's contribution to the game can never be discounted his mantle is now tarnished. I look forward to hearing what was said to him to cause the reaction. This might dampen the hostility toward how he reacted.

is everyone forgetting zidane's past??? he has headbutted a player before in a champions league match (champion??? zidane???) and stamped on an injured players leg. he's no legend of football

John,

You are a local L.A. guy. Why are you watching soccer? It's because the Purple and Yellow team got knocked out in the NBA playoffs. Baseball is too early to call. There's NOTHING else on TV but Soccer! I'v spent hours upon hours watching this sport and all I see is freakin' defense! They never score a freakin' goal. This is HORRIBLY BORING compared to Football. There is truly no sport like REAL FOOTBALL ....The N.F.L.

the vedio referring shouldn't have occured...but how do we know that the referre that "saw" it, didn't acctually see it occure...no one has said definitively that he saw it on the monitor...and i think these refs are smart enough to know that looking at the screen to make a call isn't allowed...
if that is in fact what happened, then FIFA will have to deal with that...
but there is no definative answer as to if the play was seen on the pitch or on the screen

FIFA rules do not currently allow the use of video replays therefore they should not be used for any purpose.

I would be in favor of using video "goal cams" in disputed goal situations and, of course, video of player conduct regarding possible discipline.

Other than that, football has such a great advantage over all other sports, the basic format has remained unchanged for over 100 years.

Stu, what percentage of a game of NFL are any player's feet used? And what percentage of a game of "soccer" are any player's feet used? i rest my case

The difference between the 2 teams was Zidane.Once Italy succeded in removing him (remember,he played with Juventus) they prospered.France was on the verge of getting a goal and were in commanding during the extra time till Zidane departed.Italy will do anything for a win(matches against USA,Australia)The final was full of fouls. Italy ' managed to administer'physical torture on Henry,Viera,Ribery and Zidane.The match was in total contrast to Brazil- France which was keenly contested. Italy won the world cup but with very dirty hands.

Zidane has been the biggest player of all times. There must have been something REALLY grave like an insult to his family etc. for him to reach in this manner. Whatever the matter was, he will always remain the best player to have ever walked a football field.

Stu

I'm actually transplanted Glaswegian. Sorry, I know that the average American's knowledge of geography is somewhat limited so I'll make it simple:

Britain=across the Atlantic

Scotland=north of England

Glasgow=city in the West of Scotland, inhabitants called Glaswegians (Weegies for short) and a place where football is a religious experience (actually two religious experiences).

Gio,

Don't challenge me until you get your facts straight. Sometime the truth hurts.

I want the french to overcome thier thier "frenchness"..I'm just losing hope, and nothing they are are doing in sports or politics gives me hope.

E2

Regardless of what Materazzi said or did, Zidane's reaction was so calculated, so precise, so premeditated, and so intensely violent, he should get arrested for assault. He waited 13 seconds from initial contact before his retaliation. You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBV52GPhNjw. It's just disgraceful and gross and so astonishingly unsportmanlike. Not to mention totally irresponsible to himself, his team, his nation. But I'm not kidding by what I'm about to say... By watching the clip, it's obvious what happened - Materazzi grabbed and tweaked Zidane's left nipple, and it took Zidane about 13 seconds to realize that he had just been homoerotically sexually molested on live television in front of a billion people.

Aaliyah

An insult to family, religion, wife, girlfriend or whatever MUST take second place to a players loyalty to his team...at least until the game is over.

ZZ screwed his tream today...there can be no excuse for that!!!

Stu, mate, find out how many countries in the world who play football call it football and how many call it soccer, the USA and (sadly) australia are pretty much the only countries who are ignorant enough to call it soccer

Gio.

Actually Eric is not racist, but a man of truth. A good man. I'm beginning to suspect you are not really GIO from Florence Italy, but a Frenchman disguised as an Italian. I happen to know that Italians generally don't like the French. I've spent a lot of time in Florence. Where is Il Duomo? Where is Santa Croce? Where is Firenze by night??? If you mcan answer these questions I will know that you are from Firenze!

WAAAH! BOO HOO!

Stop the crying!

hey, isn't this a discussion about zidane's sending off rather than the respective merits of NFL and football???

Eric, firstly you ARE a racist american pig and i stand by it. secondly, i live in italy (which if you didn't know borders on france) so i know a lot of french people... i think i know more about france and their attitudes than you

John.

You are actually the challenged one ...Long Beach is in fact in California. Don't put Long Beach if your not really from there.

Stu, duomo di firenze (Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore) is on the NE side of the piazza duomo, it is about halfway between santa maria novella and santa croce and firenze by night is a crappy overpriced restaurant

GIO.

STOP

ENJOY THE CELEBRATION THAT HAS TO BE GOING ON IN THE STREETS RIGHT NOW OUT SIDE YOUR DOOR.

GET DRUNK AND STOP TALKING TO US!

Eric, i will definately walk with pride simply because italy won the world cup and you couldn't even get out of the group (last place actually)

DESIDERANO I CAMPIONI IN TENSIONE DELL'ITALIA DEL MONDO!!!!!

Goodnight,

I'll sleep well, those who are thinking of ways to justify zidane's behavior will probably be up all night.

E2

Gio,

Who cares! It's a girl sport! Real men play real football. The ten weakest American football players could absolutly kick ass on any 20 european soccer players.

Just be happy you won. I am.

E2

I just find it so amusing to see you get so bent out of shape over such nonsense. AND I probably never thought I'd be writing to a FRENCH WANNA BE!

In American Football we have a saying. "There's no crying in Football." In Soccer/Football I guess crying is allowed. Che, France LOST! Get over it.

The NFL...REAL FOOTBALL is for MEN!

re - "There's no crying in Football"
no one is crying except maybe the French... Italy cheated and won - game over - they wanted it more...sometimes they best team doesn't alway win - thats life!

But - you pinch my nipple during a game and mumble racist comments and you will get a
lot more than a headbutt.

FIFA needs to crack down on players that cheat and
play dirty...and that includes both Materazzi for what he did and Zidane for his reaction.

What a final! and what an end to a great World Cup!

Anyway - since everyone has a opinion about Zidane and what happened with the red card...
here is my 2 cents...

France completely outplayed Italy in the final ...and lost. Italy played dirty, cheated and won the World Cup.

Anyone that watched Italy play during this World Cup will know that the Italians do not play fair ...they are dirty - they cheat - they are hackers and they will do whatever it takes to win... (what do you think all the "scandal back home" is all about - they are cheaters)

And man...did they cheat tonight!

Racism has no place in football - its disgusting and Zidane's reaction proved that tonight - thanks to Video Replay - another way Italy found to cheat and get way with it.

I don't condone Zidane's reaction - but provoking another player with racist comments should get you an immediate red card - as far as I am concerned both players should have been kicked out of the game and I am sure FIFA will deal with Materazzi once the truth is revealed about the comments he made to Zidane -- which I am sure will soon be made public.

- there is only so much a person can take before he snaps - and in the heat of battle, a tired, frustrated and injured Zidane snapped and got himself thrown out of a game - all the French hopes were on his shoulders and he proved he was human afterall...

I am sure he regrets what happened - but Italy
injured Henry repeatedly throughout the game - They injured Zidane by hacking him numerous times
during the game - Viera also had to leave due to injury...

What Italy proved tonight was that you can win games by cheating - they strategically took out the best 3 French Players one by one - knowing the game was heading into 'Penalty Kicks' and they were running out of time.

I look forward to seeing Zidane play in the MLS and Italy can enjoy the Glory they got by cheating...
they be

a veteran like zz knows that crap goes on and he was not prepared to win. doesn't matter what was said. "i ate your dog...nice baldspot...is that hairline natural?" he punished his coach, team and country for a flippant comment. what a sour note he left for the end of of such an awesome cup. france deserved better.
viva italia!

Well that was certainly fun... i really don't know why we're arguing??? Stu, Eric, we all agree that the italy were deserved winners, i just don't think abuse should be thrown at the french or zidane... it was a red card offense but don't sink to his level... WE WON!!!!!!!!!! anyways... i'm back off to celebrate

It was the mafia, zz was threatened to make a mistake, first he tried his best to miss penalty, then finally he was told by materazzi to headbutt him. The italians have managed to cheat at world cup.

Stu, go marry eric

What a final! and what an end to a great World Cup!

Anyway - since everyone has a opinion about Zidane and what happened with the red card...
here is my 2 cents...

France completely outplayed Italy in the final ...and lost. Italy played dirty, cheated and won the World Cup.

Anyone that watched Italy play during this World Cup will know that the Italians do not play fair ...they are dirty - they cheat - they are hackers and they will do whatever it takes to win... (what do you think all the "scandal back home" is all about - they are cheaters)

And man...did they cheat tonight!

Racism has no place in football - its disgusting and Zidane's reaction proved that tonight - thanks to Video Replay - another way Italy found to cheat and get way with it.

I don't condone Zidane's reaction - but provoking another player with racist comments and pinching his nipple should get you an immediate red card - as far as I am concerned both players should have been kicked out of the game and I am sure FIFA will deal with Materazzi once the truth is revealed about the comments he made to Zidane -- which I am sure will soon be made public.

- there is only so much a person can take before he snaps - and in the heat of battle, a tired, frustrated and injured Zidane snapped and got himself thrown out of a game - all the French hopes were on his shoulders and he proved he was human afterall...

I am sure he regrets what happened - but Italy
injured Henry repeatedly throughout the game - They injured Zidane by hacking him numerous times
during the game - Viera also had to leave due to injury...

What Italy proved tonight was that you can win games by cheating - they strategically took out the best 3 French Players one by one - knowing the game was heading into 'Penalty Kicks' and they were running out of time.

I look forward to seeing Zidane play in the MLS and Italy can enjoy the Glory they got by

I've had fun with all of you.

ERIC ...you are right in every way.
GIO ...Gout out in the streets and celebrate..GET FREAKIN, DRUNK!

Italy won at least 3 games this World Cup by cheating

vs USA - dirty game - dirty soccer - dirty players
vs Australia - Referee was either paidoff or Italian
vs France - well, everyone saw the game -

they won - good for them, but I don't have to like the way they did it - soccer/football whatever you call it is about skill, heart and determination...

How Italy did it - was a disgrace to watch as both a fan of the game and a player.

MARK.

If what we have is NOT in fact a "Rough" sport. Why do we wear helmets and you don't. The answer is because our sport is meant for MEN. It is so BRUTAL that we ABSOLUTLEY MUST wear SHOULDER PADS and HELMETS!

AARGH!!!!

N.F.L. !!!!

There was something tragic about what happened during the game, the humanity of a great person was revealed by sleazy, disgusting, racist assholes. It was a mistake not to have kicked every last tooth out of his mouth--that scumbag Materazzi! How shallow you all are for using standards of decorum and moral probity for skillful, talented, elegant players like Zidane when the Italian team cruises on to the field ready to break some legs--and they did hurt their opponents by any means possible--and with a cloud hanging over there team re corruption charges at home. Especially, you Eric, are you one of those fat Americans who sits in front of the TV eating Doritos?? and drinking Bud Light? What an athlete you must be, my friend?! Eric, as the ignorant American you clearly are, go read some history books about Algeria, Berbers and their Tuareg ancestor--you might learn something about courage that your remote control on TV won't show you!

Zidane is a warrior and the level of his courage, discipline and sportsmanship is exemplary and will remain exemplary. Let's face it, he is a great player and a real person.

It is a shame for all Soccer players and FIFA in particular that the morally corrupt Italians got their hands on the trophy.

I too feel sorry for the children of you fools who find fault with Zidane.

Bye for now

Obviously, if you want to punish players using video replay, you must also accept and provide audio replay. While Zidane's action cannot be justified, Materazzi's provocation must also be identified and punished according to its severity. If it was a cynical attempt to provoke the best player in the game to commit some stupid act, a two-year ban from the sport would be appropriate.

What is all this rubbish about. If you want to see tough football have a look at Australian Rules Football - we use both feet and hands and have full body contact. Only last week one player was on the field for an hour before realising he had collapsing lungs - and we dont wear any protective gear like in the NFL where they stop/start all the time !!!!

Now regards to Zidane the animal, in many sports the art of sledging (taunting) is commonplace as a tactic. No-one other than the two involved will know what transpired BUT Zidane has prior history of bad behaviour. Wasn't he the one who got a red card for stomping on Saudi player in 1998 World Cup Series and I recall he has many other misdemeanours which have outed him out of other tornaments and games.

The true best player of all time is Pele, unlike Maradona (hand of god) and Zidane (head of stupidity) he never once did anything to bring the sport of soccer into disrepute.

For Italy, well done and well played. France had 120 minutes to win before penalties and Italy were finally able to net all 5 set shots.

Now have to wait till 2010 in South Africa to see how well the new kids on the block Australia can repeat.

Ditto!

Viva Italia!

Eric, you are a racist pig

'course it could have been Long Beach, NY. They have a Long Beach there too o'challenged one!!!

Yeah ROLF and it worked. IF Z.Z. was stupid enough to buy it, than he deserves credit for the loss.

OK I believe you....My ex-Girlfriend lives on Via Del Romito in the 50134 area near La Fortezza.

Yeah but that Long Beach doesn't matter now does it?

NFL is the second most boring sport after baseball.
I do not count golf as a sport, of course.

No way Che,

zidane and france will be mocked forever.

sorry.

I still love the NFL. However, I do like Australian Rules Football. It is in fact a MAN'S sporgt.

ERIC Your a good man. Stay strong.

RIGHT ON ERIC !!!!!

Stu

That's where I live! Have done for a long time!

The French will surrender at the drop of a hat...

Thank you Gio

there are better drugs outside canada, get a life !!

hmmmmm... kai said this discussion was getting out of hand in post 71.... if only he could see it now

Who cares how much they use their feet...It's called SOCCER!

FIFA today stated that the fourth official had no access to tv footage and saw the incident with his own eyes.

Maybe video killed the soccer star but that game could not continue without Zidane getting sent of. Otherwise the Italians would have retaliated and it would have ended up in a fist fight. It doesn't matter what Materazzi said ZZ could not justify what he did and he knew it which is why he walked of with his head bowed and missed the medals ceremony. ZZ we will miss you.

Viva Italia, Football World Cup Champions 2006

I agree that it was only just to send off Zidane, but I thought that TV replay wasn't allowed to be used to help make refereeing decisions during a match. It's ridiculous that it is used in the most important match in world football and shows exactly why replays should not be shown in the stadium.

I was gutted that Zidane's career ended the way it did! His career is still a glittering one, World champion, European Champion, Champion's League winner, Club super cup winner (twice), World player of the year 3 times, European player of the year once. numerous nation championships with various clubs. I for one will always remember the screamer of a goal he scored in the Champion's League Final at Hamden!

People ask will he be remembered as a hero or a villian? I ask in reply, is Maradona considered any less of a footballing genius because of his many indiscresions (cocaine, hand of god etc)?

I my view Zidane was rightly awarded the player of the tournament as frankly he was head (excuse the pun) and shoulders above everyone else. The game against Brasil showed how much a class act he really is, and should be remembered for the game more than the final.

It doesn't matter what people say, good and bad, about him now as i am sure in his worst nightmares he would never have imagined his career to end the way it has. And the personal hurt he will be feeling will be worse and longer lasting that anything anyone says about him.

He was one of the finest players ever to have played the game, and should be remembered as such. It will be some time before another one comes around. Zidane = legend!

Dirty Matterazzi, He was suspended for two month in Serie A for similar offences, and now he contaminated one of the most purest footballer and humanbeing of our time. That's Italian Footballers for you.

I hope hope he'll have a nightmare rest of his life by abusing someone so great as ZZ, and causing that ugly incident.

Sure ZZ will recover and fans will always hold him high regard but Mattarazzi? I'll never forgive you. People like him are the ones killing our beautiful game. I'm sure there's no Italian words for Fair Play.

Zidane will be remembered for being one of the greatest. He'll also be remembered for taking one of the most bizarre decisions in world cup history ie to nut an Italian in full view of approx half the global population.

Whatever Matarazzi said must have been bad, but nothing can excuse Zizou as I'm sure he's realised. Hero to Zero - I don't think so. In the context of the actual game, ZZ retiral etc, it was probably the most surreal moment I've ever witnessed in football, and will never be forgotten.

Anyway, ZZ - thanks for all the memories.

PS Could Americans please refrain from holding opinions or passing comment on any sport where the participants don't feel the need for full kevlar body armour, any sport where countries outside your own take part, where the accent in offence or defence is used correctly, and where ingestion of nandrolone isn't mandatory? Thank you.

James - I agree - some players were definitely guilty of "diving" - and that resulted in several games being decided by last minute penalties and free kicks... so no I don't believe it is okay to cheat to win.

FIFA should definitely do something about it - I don't dive - but I have won penalty kicks for my team by being tackled and brought down in the box
...defenders get burned and they kick you with no intention of playing the ball - if its a 50 - 50 tackle and you win the ball - fair enough...but too many defenders are allowed to get away with murder and a lot of referees are not consistent with how they call the game which causes players to play the game according to the ref... sad but true...

its funny...just last week I had a game - where on a 50 50 ball - the defender wins the tackle and the ball... (fairly) - he clears the ball - play is over... then as I turn around and he comes up behind me and slams an elbow into my back for no apparent reason - the ref does not see what he did - now if I had retaliated I would have been thrown out just like Zidane ...and maybe if that was my last game...I would have dropped him...or maybe even taken a dive and got him thrown out - but, unfortunately I didn't have the benefit of instant replay :)

I love the game and I play hard - but I play fair
and I expect my opponent to respect me as I respect him... its easy to cheat and play dirty by trying to break the other guy's leg so he can't get to the ball...but if thats how the game is being played...I am not playing...

Too many games were decided by the Refs this World Cup - diving is an issue, but a bigger issue is the lack consistency with how the rules of the game are being interpreted by officials in charge.

to err is human.Having made a blunder its easy for all to condemn as history cannot be rewritten.ZZ was made to lose his temper.yes ,he could ve waited as suggested,or complained to refree,or had one of his team mates could ve diffused the matter,even materazzi could ve avoided the hit if he was genuine,.This incident made the whole world cup action to background and we missed the sport at the last ten minutes of the final.Italy has now to celebrate with disgrace.

I can't believe people here are taking seriously comments from a guy who calls himself "Stu Pidassol"

Did you ever think that maybe, like Mr. Materazzi, this Stu Pidassol guy is just talking trash to get you upset?

Regarding the incident itself... maybe I'm just an ignorant American who'll never understand the vast complexities of the game, but it looked to me like Materazzi is just a dirty player who recognized that ZZ was France's biggest weapon and realized that one way to neutralize him would be to goad him into losing focus on the game. It worked: ZZ lost his head and got a well-deserved red card. Surely the refs didn't hear what was said. Could they have carded Materazzi if they heard him say something vile? In any case, they'd still have had to eject ZZ for his reaction to it, and I'm sure that's just what Materazzi was trying to achieve.

Trans-planted Brit - you make very great points. Good post game report!

Hey you Aussies stop whining about Italy, you lost. Don't obstruct players in the box next time. If you can't win with one-man advantage for more than 1/2, you shouldn't be in the World Cup.

As for you whiners about Italy diving. The only reason France got to the finals was because of Henry's Oscar-inspired performance against Spain which got Zidane the free kick. He held his head and no one even came near his head.

Let's not even mention what earned Zidane's penalty. They conveniently don't show that play too often. When they did run it that french player took a nother award-winning nose-dive.

Zidane is a great player. He sent a bad message, someone taunts you, you hit them. Great example for kids watching the game.

Predictably, everyone hates winners...especially 4-time winners. So whine away....in the meantime..
VIVA ITALIA!

Last night, after watching the World Cup final, my wife and I watched the sixth installment of the Ken Burns "Baseball" documentary. The subject of the latter half of the movie was Jackie Robinson, who, as many Americans know, broke the race barrier in 1967 to play professional baseball in the Major Leagues. Before he was offered a position with the team, the Brooklyn Dodgers, he met with the team's manager and agreed that he would not respond to the expected racial taunts, on-field violence, and threats against his family. All of these expectations of our segregated society would eventually come true, making baseball not just a sport, but an incredible risk for Jackie Robinson. Although the pressure was severe, Jackie Robinson excelled at baseball with grace and masterful sportsmanship. In the following years, several African-Americans would follow Robinson to play for Major League baseball teams, due in no small part to Robinson's willingness to sacrifice his interests for those of the larger group: not only his team, not only his race, but society as a whole.

It seems that in this current age we have so few opportunities to experience the best of humanity. Sports, especially football, are one of the last world stages upon which a single person, as part of a team, can excel individually while also contributing to the larger effort. The display of sportsmanship, even under duress, can be inspirational to even the casual observer, especially when the stories are told, years after the match has concluded. Part of sportsmanship is understanding the cost and consequences of retaliating against a slur or an assault, if that is what Zinedine Zidane reacted to in the final moments of the World Cup final. Perhaps the result would not have changed, had Zidane taken a penalty kick. We will never know.

But what we do know is that Zidane made a choice for himself, before thinking of others, which makes this story something worth repeating to

Gregg, no one disputed the red card, just that it is the only fact we have and other fact are still unavailable. His motives for what he did will be discovered and we will soon find out that Materrazi is the disgraceful one. I appreciate your rebuttal, but again, a little shortsighted.

So, Nav, it sounds like you feel that Zidane's "motives" might possibly justify his headbutt? In other words, depending on what Materrazi said or did not say, he could be more guilty that Zidane?

That's where we disagree. As a veteran professional athlete, there is no excuse, no mitigating circumstance for what Zidane did.

I don't think I'm short-sighted. Rather, I feel you suffer from a bad case of moral relativity.

Gotta say Hurling, Shinty and Gaelic Football are as tough as they get sports, and sledging, mikey taking etc are a big part.

www.gaa.ie

I feel disappointed that Materazzi won his cheating game over ZZ. ZZ will remembered as a great footballer I am sure.

I wanted France to win coming into the match as the Italians seem to have diving and cheating as part of the game plan , whereas the other malcontents use it in a opportunistic way.

On balance of the competition they deserved it though.

Like the idea about diving in the box, getting a penalty at the other end. A great game can be improved with better focus on the elements that need tinkered with.

As for Erics, Stu et all, disgraceful comments re the French I do not think they give a fig for any sport, as their comments mirror a lack of humanity and understanding that I find in all rival fans, the word over. Suspect therefore they are more interested in banging on about the French for cheap jolies

I'm stunned with so much support people have been showing to Zidane only because he has been a legend. You cannot condone that act, you can't use "Materazzi said something" as an excuse. Perhaps where you are, people have never played any football, but I can tell you, if everyone went on such crazy headbutting sprees everytime an opponent said something, we would have a sending-off every 15 seconds.

No one needs to explicitly state that Zidane is a wizard or a legend, but there is no denying that he has disgraced his own end. And he has no one else to blame for it.

On another note, while there can be no denying the red card, technically it couldn't have been given if neither the ref nor his assistant saw it. Fair enough to say that "Video killed a disgraced star"

First of all I'd like to say ZZ is brilliant and he'll always be remembered as such. The way he left his career is regrettable and (seeing as I wanted France to win) I would have much preferred it if he had gone out on top and led his team to win instead of ensuring their defeat. This was no way to end a career - especially one as terrific as his - but I don't doubt that he was provoked and Matarazzi deserved what he got. I wish he hadn't done what he did but after playing for almost 2 hours your judgment becomes kind of sketchy to say the least.

Secondly why is there so much debate about american football in a discussion about ZZ? However, since it was introduced I'd like to clarify a few things. Just because american football is popular in the US doesn't make Americans any less knowledgeable about soccer/football. Not all Americans are complete idiots, I agree that some definitely are (including President Bush) but it's really unfortunate that a lot of the rest of the world sees us as stupid, greedy jerks because most of us aren't. That being said, soccer is the most popular sport for American children to begin playing and many people continue to play into adulthood. (I started playing when I was 5). Yes, MLS sucks but we get european football channels here too. I have no idea why american football is called football because there is hardly any contact between the ball and the foot but that explains why we call football soccer here. Soccer isn't an offensive term as someone seemed to think earlier. When american football began the players actually didn't wear pads but over the years they've added more and more. Personally I'm not a huge fan of american football but I don't think that wearing pads makes the players less of a man. Why not protect yourself when the job of many players is simply to hit someone else? Soccer is a physical sport, there's no doubting that, but hurting other players isn't one of the main focuses of the game (or sho

Whatever Materazzi had to say notwithstanding or the fact that the players were tired, you cannot do this at this level, you just cannot.

Wayne Rooney does it and the entire world is at him for not having a temperament, at least Shrek's just a little boy.

Perhaps Zidane should delay his retirement and go out on a high later sometime, he is certainly still playing some brilliant football.

Italian players, excluding Materazzi should be proud of their defensive game and subsequent win. Congratulations to the loyal and emotional fans. But pity to Materazzi for being the biggest loser yesterday. If he is a half a man he will apologize for whatever comes out in the next couple of days. How must he feel after provoking Zidane as much as he did - he is classless, shameless and unworthy of the world cup.

Congrats to Italy and Zidane for the greatest memories!

Zidane's moment of uncontrolled emotion and vicious lash-out is not a once-in-a-lifetime event. He has stomped other athletes in the groin and he has even head-butted another athlete in the years leading up to his final disgrace.

It is ironic that on the day he should have enjoyed his greatest glory, he suffered his greatest humiliation as his past caught up with him.

That is international football at its greatest! Drama and tragedy of Euripidean order.

Gregg, again another short sighted comment. Unfortunately, you have drawn conclusions without all the facts. Lets wait to see what comes out in the next couple of days before we call Zidane a "disgrace". Zidane and disgrace do not go in the same sentence. Humiliation is a relative term and if he did not stand up for himself, the personal humiliation may have been worse - ie., what Materazzi is probably feeling right about now.

Two things:
(a) Materrazzi MUST have made a VERY BAD remark towards Zidane for him to react like that!! It was probably intentional to get Zidane off the pitch.

(b) ZZ is a professional. He should NOT have reacted like that.

It will be interesting to see what FIFA will do should the insult that Materrazzi threw at Zidane be revealed. If it was a racist slur, Italy should be stripped of the title - as a strong message that racism cannot be condoned in football. Then again, do the likes of Blatter have the balls to do such a thing?

PS I found this comment "How can yu have a world championship that doesn't involve any other countries?" very interesting. I ask myself that so many times. I think to most Americans, America is THE WORLD! So whether its NBA, NFL, etc - the winners are always WORLD champions. Allan, don't burst their bubble. I don't like it myself when someone interrupts a nice dream!!

I francesi, erano più forti di noi italiani ma hanno perso. Il calcio è bello anche per questo. Anche il peggiore può vincere. Come del resto è successo spesso anche a noi.
Questa squadra è brutta e cattiva come Materazzi. Difensore odiatissimo sui campi italiani.
Ma non è da campioni cadere nelle provocazioni. E’ la prima cosa che si impara nel calcio. Nervi saldi. Il difensore farà di tutto per innervosire l’attaccante e viceversa. Vi ricordate Totti nel precedente mondiale che non potendo provocare verbalmente un danese gli sputò in faccia?
Questa è la morale. Anche la cattiveria è uno strumento.
Questo è il paese dove per la prima volta si è scritto che “il fine giustifica i mezzi”.
In Francia poi, saranno contendi poiché quello è il paese dove per la prima volta si è detto che “l’importante è partecipare”. Magari chi lo ha detto non veniva dalle periferie (outskirts)!!

Regarding the comments about the NFL, most are too ignorant to even respond to. But I will point out that the NFL's title game is called the Super Bowl, not the World Championship.

The NBA finals are just the NBA finals. Admittedly, many American commentators do call the winners of the NBA finals the world champions, though. But, Americans are very well aware that our national team has been suffering a number of humiliating losses in international play recently, so respect for other countries is growing. The next World Championships should be interesting.

I have to concede that MLB does stupidly call it's championship event the World Series, even though it's really just the US & Canada. They really should change that, especially since there's plenty of good baseball played elsewhere (and probably with a lot fewer 'roids).

had a good nights sleep since my last comment
but will reiterate the problem is fifa whether it was video or the fourth or fifth official with their own eyes who saw the incident it should havebeen left to the referee and his two assistants ti see and make a decision. I doubt that anyony really believes fifa that video wasnt used. and I have no problem with the use of video but it should be used all of the time to catch the cheats and remove them from the game. I thought the penalty against australia was fairly given the player lay down to stop the italian and he knows it.

what a disgaceful, cowardly act. Had it been an American that pulled that crap the world would have lynched the player. The Fact that the president of the smelly country praised his soccer hero is equally appalling.

Yes John, USA, I agree with you 100%,
what a disgraceful, cowardly act.
Materazzi should have been lynched, I agree.
Evelnazzi should have been sent off for headbutting himself, first of all.
Zidane was just a puppet in his hands, an innocent victim
No doubt Evelnazzi worked on it from the begining of the match until he finally succeeded. There was a lot going on all the time not visible to referee
He was well aware about Zidane's history with headbutting and used that for his advantage.
And what an actor, how he stood there not attempting to avoid the blow, how he readily fell to the ground even though he was hit well above solar plexus, and he was lying there in dying convulsions for a long long time, as long as it took to get Zidane sent off.
Job well done, he will probably get a big bonus.

The problem is, they should have executed Maradona at once, so that others play fair.
But Maradona is still alive, and other scums are aping him.

Zidane, of course, should have thought about his team and about his country first.

He should have waited until the match ended,
and then, after the match, he should have beaten crap out of that nazzi

Eddie, Kampala said

"It will be interesting to see what FIFA will do should the insult that Materrazzi threw at Zidane be revealed. If it was a racist slur, Italy should be stripped of the title - as a strong message that racism cannot be condoned in football"

If it was a racist slur? Wake up and smell the coffee, give your damn head a shake, cor blimey bloody, ... it is not relevant what he said - so if I racially slam you - you can murder me with total justification? If you cannot control your emotions you cannot control your actions you cannot control, don't give me that, we are all responsible for our own actions.

ZZ will be remembered based on his actions, not your whining.

What is all this talk of video yes or video no? Since you are discussing it, I am assuming you SAW it. I don't care what was said, what he did before or will do since. Mister Zidane committed a red card offence - end of story. Considering how much time he spends heading the ball in practice, we should be glad no injuries were suffered. A pathetic end to a stellar career - how else can you slice it?

Nav... Gregg... and few others swinging our "imaginary jury that is this forum" topic to either direction: From our eyes as spectators, it is not justified, it is not excusable, what Zidane did to Materazzi. However, if we stopped for one minute being spectators, and became a victim of racial slurs and racism in general... we don't have to be Zidane particularly, but just to be any man who has been victimized, physically and/or verbally only because of the color of his skin or his heritage and religion... I wish when this moment happened in Zidane's life, he had been behind the ball... or at practice... or in the shower... or any other place where he could have let out such agression.... So unfortunate for Zidane, he was in front of a skinny Italian who just contributed to a life-time of raclal taunts, and damn, that's where Zidane reacted. I am glad for Italy, because they had lost in 94 against Brazil. The thing is, most realistic people of this forum know that France had been playing better than Italy... they COULD HAVE scored in the remaining minutes... they were trapped in their own half of the field... or perhaps they wouldn't have been mentally affected by what Zidane did to Materazzi. Oh well, the world will never know... perhaps Materazzi knew that was the only way to stop the French as they were taking over the game at that point. Way to go, Materazzi, you succeeded, you tactical "man" you....

As for the American Football versus World Football... I've seen football players (ok, I'll call it "soccer" as world football is labeled in America)... I've seen "soccer" players, including myself, step up to the challenge of American Football; various scenarios. Yeah, we've had our butts hit pretty badly, depending on what position.... some injuries were enough to take some guys out of the game, and some just hurt afterward... ok. However, I have seen two or three American football players give soccer a try... that was something. One guy (my good childhood friend long ago), was BEGGING for a time-out... he drank half of the team water, and could never catch his breath... was taken out of the game at minute 25, and was seen vomitting all over the sidelines... haha!!
The deal is, a soccer player might be walking funny the next day, because he played American football, and took a few hits, yes..... An American football player will be walking funny the next day, merely for trying to play soccer, and wishing he could keep up ((of course, if any American football player still debates that, that would just make him a marked man to some hungry defenders wanting to slide tackle some sense into him...)).
In SOCCER, there are no timeouts, there are no helmets, no shoulder pads, no commercial breaks, no halftime extravaganzas, So if thats what you need... do not play soccer.

What's the deal with comparing American football athletes and soccer athletes? The two sports require such different abilities. Of course soccer players need better stamina. American football players need more strength and mass. The ability to play through pain is important in both sports. (The ability to feign injury is pretty exclusive to soccer, though.)

Anyway, there are a number of former soccer players who've converted to American football. They're called place kickers. Typically, they're excellent at their specialty (kicking while other people protect them), but can barely make a tackle to save their lives. To be fair, they probably weren't the best soccer players to begin with, either.

Yeah I agree Marvin, Zidane could have pulled off in the last few minutes something they couldn't do the entire game plus overtime...score a goal that wasn't earned with a dubious box-dive against arguably the best defense in the world.

WRONG VS. WRONG...

There is no doubt that Zidane's actions were unacceptable and FIFA should impose a fine and the Italian player should file charges against him.

FIFA should also investigate the alleged racial slur hurled at Zidane, and fine the Italian accordingly if justified.

Zidane is a great athlete, perhaps one of the best soccer players of all time, the stuff legends are made of. I don't believe for a second that he will be remembered any differently.

But he also has issues with his temper and I seriously hope he considers getting some help for that.

Not that I hold the Italian player above hurling any racial slur, because I certainly do not, but we've seen this from Zidane before, and in a similar context.

Quite frankly, insult is a poor excuse for violence.

Oh, for heaven's sake. Have any of you ever refereed a soccer match? What did you do? "Okay, that's a penalty on you Number 6 because you kicked his leg, but Number 8, you gave him a mean look so you're a bad boy, too."

The Italian is 100% innocent. It was the Frenchman who committed the crime. It was not a condition of his environment that caused him to commit that crime. HE commited it.

Get off it. Keep your liberalism in politics and out of football.

As for the toughness of American football v. soccer. Yes. It's like comparing apples to oranges. They are both tough games to excel at.

Right on, Anthony. I would say France won the Gold Medal for Diving and the Trophy for Luche Libre.

But the Azurri won The Cup!

Once more to all you whiners about Italy diving...like I said, the french were only there because of cheating...so get over it.

Like I mentioned...look no further than Henry http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/html/worldcup_2006/feat...

Did anyone see Portugal's last game? Everyone dives, doesn't make it right...it just is.

You can single out Italy all you want, but it's just because your teams lost.

You lost, you lost. Deal with it.

As for trash talking...it happens in most sports, how many NFL/NBA heros trash talk? You can't hit people because of stupid things they might say. If that were true, and based on some of what I read here, I bet most of you would be hit repeatedly.

One more thing...

Anyone who has played soccer competitively can vouch for this:

Notwithstanding the diving and drama displayed mostly by Portugal and Italy and a few isolated players on other teams as well, getting tackled really does hurt.

I know it is very difficult for North Americans to understands this, because we are used to full contact-sports like Hockey and North American Football, but consider the following:

1) Soccer players wear very little protective gear

2) Many Soccer injuries result from high speed impact (with other players or the ground).

3) A Football tackle or Hockey check is absorbed and disipated through the body's core, whearas in soccer a tackle is targetted at the player's extremeties. Consider the differential in pounds per square inch of pressure the next time those cleats hit the backside of some player's calf.

If this doesn't convince to you, why don't you get out there and try it for yourselves...

As usual the supposedly beautiful game goes to extra time and is won by the poorer team via the complete lottery of penalties. Something has to be done to produce more goals/"points" (Gaelic rules posts for example) so that the best team wins! What really grates is that Italy only got into the 1/4 finals thanks to a ridiculous dive in the 93rd minute v Australia. Who are the cheats now? One thing is certain, Italy are NOT the best team in the world and everbody knows it.

Sports Fans,

I think many of us are missing the point. While no rational human being can justify Zidane's headbutt, it should equally be noted that racist or personal taunts cannot be justified either. Simply because words were used does that make the crime less heinous? Having been the victim of racial abuse on the sports field I can say with great certainty that the anger that consumes you can be uncontrollable. It is not surprising that a man who had the weight of his country not to mention millions of fans around the world simply snapped.

In North America we have learned time and time again that actions on a sports field are not seperate or immune from the law (Marty McSorley, Todd Bertuzzi). If this is the case maybe its time that verbal insults should be treated the same?

Nav, I think I share the view of a lot of sports fans that nothing Materazzi might have said would justify Zidane's action. As other posters have pointed out, I'm sure many other athletes have endured far worse verbal attacks with a lot more class. As much as you obviously like the guy, in this case, his name and the word disgrace absolutely do belong in the same sentence. As in "Zidane's act was a disgrace to his team, his country, and the sport he plays." It may very well be that Materazzi's actions were also a disgrace, but, as you pointed out, we don't have all the facts on that topic at the moment.

Also, do you really think Materazzi is feeling remorse? I don't know the guy personally, but based on his history, I'd guess he's not feeling the least bit bad about his poor sportsmanship right now.

after careful review FIFA has taken the world cup back from the italians and issued OSCARS for their magnificent display of acting in the world cup final game,, they are also being taken to the SAHARA desert to try and irrigate it with their tears,,,,, jock h.

And, John, USA,
if you don't get it,
I was just trying to do Steven Colbert imitating Bill O'Reilly.

I see now (oops) that I missed a "the" and used "for" instead of "to", but other than that, I'm pretty happy

* Nobody loves a Winner *

Now Italy is the new team everyone loves to hate...

All the sore losers come out, "they didn't deserve to win", "France played better", etc...

Does anyone actually believe that the best team always wins?

If that's the case, why bother holding the WC in the first place, just FedEx the damn Cup to Brazil and leave it there.

Soccer is the beautiful game because anything can happen. If the best team always won, it would be boring.

In 2004 Greece stunned the world when they won the Euro Cup, by beating the reigning champs (France), the tournament favorite (Czech Republic) and the host nation (Portugal), all much better teams.

So, was Italy the best team in WC 2006 - hell no. But neither was France, so stop analyzing all the statistics about possesion and fouls and corner kicks because this is soccer, not boxing, and the only statistic that counts is goals, and by hook or by crook Italy scored more goals on the shoot out than did France, which means under current FIFA rules, they are the better team.

So live with it.

See you all in 2008.

"Drawn conclusions without all the facts..."

Nav, there is just one fact on the table. ZZ headbutted an opponent. That's it. Finis.

No matter what the Italian said, ZZ committed a red-card foul.

Baiting and close marking and calculated fouls are part of football. Athletes handle it with varying degrees of maturity.

ZZ's fatal flaw--some uncontrollable inner anger-- destroyed him, despite his wealth of skill and accomplishment. It's a tragic, utterly fascinating tale.

I am not offended by what Zidane did,
Materazzi probably got what he deserved.
But how stupid it was to do.
Because Materazzi actually got something that he did not deserve. The World Cup.

I don't agree with Zidanes actions but if your going to use video replays Italy may not have been in the finals. I am sure I dont have to explain .

I would not excuse Zidane's immature reaction to Materazzi's (possibly racial slur) action. Although yes, it was on the most important game of the world's biggest stage that is the World Cup, one heated moment by a formidable player, will not erase his 15 to 20 years of greatness. It is a negative exclamation towards (or at) the end of his career, but one cannot erase the past... the spectacular plays... the beautiful goals... It will be up to each of the billions of individuals who have Zidane's career, as to how each one chooses to remember him.
I will tell you this: It is only in theory for now (for now), that Materazzi said something racially offenssive to Zidane... but if that is indeed true, then you have one man (Zidane) who has been champion on many levels by being a great player, and then you have another man (Materazzi), who is now champion by being a racist big-mouth coward. THAT WOULD ONLY BE, if indeed he said a racist comment... (which FIFA has been trying to supress recently, and in this past tournament).

I see above that some posters are having fun at the expense of American Football. Allan goes so far as to say "that bunch of silk waring, purse carrying, buttercup sport! With all that padding you get the idea they are trying to compensate for something..."

I invite Allan to spend one minute (60 seconds) on the field with an American Football team. In fact, I'll even invite him to spend one minute with our Youth league (11 years-old to 14 years) players.

Then, with that experience under his belt, I would invite Allan to comment once more about the "silk-wearing" American athletes.

(smile)

Hey Eddie ... Here we don't smell cofee like you we drink Taj Tea from Assam ... I prefer you also to take some

Zizu Still the best ... It was Marco Materazzi who made his trick works . Let us take example if somebody says very bad words Like Mother F***** or other very bad words how would you react . If person is having dignity he will respond.And that what Zidzne did . I am proud of What ever He did

i nominate zidane for fifa president, i think his action actually shows character as opposed to character flaw! he made a decision that enough was enough, that materazzi guy definately had it coming!

Anthony vs. Anthony...

Nevermind...

Italian Anthony made my point already.

Viva Italia, champion of shoot outs.

‘Who will pardon an insult to a mother?’
Nobody and that what zizu did. You know Zidane is cool guy and great team Leader. I still remeber One instance when Sagnol( French Defender) was given Yellow card he ( Zidane) was pulling Sagnol to avoid any confortation with refree. This all how gentle and nice player he is who follow rules and regulation. Go to this site see what it say, even Materazzi friends call him dirtiest player in ITALY. http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20060710/cm_huffpost/024737

Yes Shakeel...Buffon did run over to the fourth referee and beg him, and the fourth ref did watch video replay...totally illegal...whats the point of referees if they can spot something in real time? Moreover, what about audio replay also...to give the savage Materazzi a red card as well?

Sheen, I have woken up, smelt the coffee and given my damn head a shake! My conclusion? You are a very selective reader mate.

Check my point (b). It's in English and it means that I don't agree with ZZ's actions.

Maybe you condone racist slurs but I definitely don't. Oh, and before you shoot off, let me add that I don't believe that violence is the way to deal with it - as my point (b) - which you conveniently missed - points out very clearly!

Eddie, I have to admit that I didn't see the comment you mentioned. Nice to know that, unlik emany posters, you're willing to admit that Z isn't perfect.

Regarding Materazzi being hurt, I'm not buying it. I mean, obviously he felt it, but he didn't even think about coming out of the game, he started getting up almost immediately, and he never required any medical attention. I wonder if he still has a big round Zidane-shaped bruise on his chest...

Reed, that proves even more that Italians are cheats! So their WC victory is tainted. That will not get them much respect unfortunately.

There is a sense of waiting for the other boot to drop here in France; a need to get a handle on it all - to obtain some sort of lever to raise the collective jaw again.

Here like in the rest of the football world, minus the small corner that is Matterazzi and his confidants, there is only one question worth asking : what could have been said to induce the best footballer of his generation in the full gaze of the world and Argus-eyed television, to mindlessly wreck his farewell party, torpedo the very realistic chances of his nation regaining football's biggest prize and deform forever his image in the world's memory?

Why?

Poor Italy.
Try as they might, no amount of on-screen dancing and joy unconfined was going to recapture for the victors the focus of the night - outside Italy that is.
What had been, up to that dislocating moment, a decent game which lacked only the courage of the dominant team of the moment to commit the extra men forward necessary to win the game, was virtually relegated to the realms of "whatever" as the half-formed questions poured out as the match spluttered out and the American wet-dream of penalties predictably played itself out, waiting for the French "patsie".

If Italy maybe didn't quite deserve to win on the night, with their work over the piece of the tournament it's hard to begrudge them their fourth star.

But mind's eye stared unblinkingly at the continuous internal replays of that barely creditable scene:
the verbal exchanges, the rictus smile and the turn followed by Matterazzi collapsing from the furious force of Zidane's charge - that was no dive.
And with the din of those questions crying for answers like relatives for the victims at the site of a natural disaster, the rest of the proceedings, wrapped in an ethereal mantle, floated on by into history.

It was, and will always will be Zidane's Final of Shame - of measureless tragedy - the more so as ther

Unfortunately i disagree with your point about words being less heinous than physical abuse. They can potentially have equal impact.

You're right i am making assumptions, informed assumptions based on a number of reputable articles I have read today (various sources)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,28783-2263995,00....
http://www.eurosport.com/football/worldcup/2006/sport_sto...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/t...

Furthermore, I quite clearly stated that Zizou's headbutt could not be justfied;all I'm asking for is the same amount of emphasis be placed on Materrazi's (alleged) words.

While I am fan of Zizou I do feel that his actions were unacceptable. However it has not changed the fact that he was the best player of the tournament and perhaps of the last decade. The term 'unmasked' is probably the most absurd way to describe what happened on Sunday. No one claimed that Zidane was a Saint. He is a footballer, and a human being capable (like all of us) of losing his cool.

Yes Eddie I agree...it makes angry, and I wasn't even there. I can only imagine what Zidane felt

Anthony, your point about scoring more goals is on point.

In my opinion, the offsides rule should be amended so that attackers can have more flexibility.

In American football, offsides is at the snap of the ball, and then you have the beauty of two athletes sprinting downfield to catch or disrupt the play.

In soccer, perhaps they could allow one attacker to go "offside." That would open up play, and you would see many more exciting matchups between attacker and defender.

Immi vs. Gregg:

"Simply because words were used does that make the crime less heinous?"

Depends on the universe of rules you're using.

Philosophically speaking, both are acts of hatred, but since violence has a physical manifestation, it would probably be a higher crime.

But then again, the "scarring" of the insult may be infinitely more hurtful than the headbutt, whose effects probably only lasted minutes, so a case can be made that the insult is the higher crime.

But I don't think that's what either of you meant, so let's move on...

...which brings us to: Legal crime vs. Soccer crime.

Legally speaking, violence is a crime, therefore Zidane is guitly of assault.

In Germany, making certain racial statements is also a criminal activity, but I believe this is only the case when pertaining to groups affected directly by the holocaust.

Maybe another reader who has more knowledge in this area can shed some light on this.

In anycase, I don't think Zidane would have a criminal case against the Italian, but he might have a civil one. Therefore again, violence would probably be the higher crime.

Finally, contrary to popular belief, FIFA does give referees quite a bit of latitude in showing the red card. In the real world, I have little doubt that had the Ref heard any racial slur from the Italian, he would immediately have shown him the red card, before Zidane had a chance to retaliate. Unfortunately for Zizou, he was simply too far away.

Under FIFA rules, both racial slur and violence would probably be equally punishable by red card and 2 game ban.

So you're both right.

Cheers!

This is a little off-topic, but that shouldn't be a problem here... I'm curious about what Europeans think of deciding important games via the PK shootout. Personally, I think it's the most ridiculous system that I've ever seen used in any sport, as it abandons the entire notion of defense and is such a stark contrast to the regular game. Regardless of the teams involved, I hate to see any game go to the shootout.

I'm not saying that Italy shouldn't have won. The rules are what they are, and Italy survived the 120 minutes of prelude and beat the French fair & square in PK's.

Hey Anthony from Edinburgh. England lost. Deal with it.

We're glad Rooney showed us how to play like a real sportsman. Don't you have fires to start somewhere?

As for Australia, he interfered and even raised an elbow to try to stop the play. Pick another play because he clearly interfered. Whether the Italian player dramatized it or not is another issue.

Besides, I'm SO sure Australia would have won that game if Italy didn't get that penalty. We didn't need it to win. We would have clobbered them in a shootout. They barely aimed a shot properly with a one man advantage.

Oh and stop spelling it "Italien" that's the French spelling, heck you're probably from France.

"Simply because words were used does that make the crime less heinous?"

Yes.

Plus, you're assuming too much. Everyone saw what ZZ did. Only apologists for ZZ's behavior are making the assumption that the victim, Metarazzi, was actually responsible for ZZ's behavior.

But that is frequently the tactic of perpetrators who have no justification for what they have done: attack the victim's character.

Don't elevate ZZ's action into a Civil Rights Event.

It's more simple than that: Stress reveals character. ZZ was unmasked.

It was unfair as he ( Zidane) was sent by fourth official who have seen the replay and told the refree. Where was the fourth refree when the clock ticking down in Australia and ITaly Match , Fabio Grosso marauded down the left flank and worked his way into the box before falling over Lucas Neill's prone body.You know guys It was same refree who given the penalty to Italy against Australia and it was same person( fourth Official) who had asked the refree to send zidane off. I think This refree( Luis Medina Cantalejo) has shown the partiality in both the matches . In Austalia And Italy Match it was Marco Materazzi was sent off six minutes into the half that proves he is man of digrace and it is in his character who does this thing.

Yes Shakeel...I totally agree. It is totally unacceptable that the fourth referee watched video replay before telling the referee to show red. Of course FIFA will deny it, as they have today. The penalty in the Italy-Australia match was totally absurd, but the Italians are legendary for their diving (as are other countries, to be fair) For those who don't know, the word "n*****", or the Italian equivalent of it, is probably the worst thing anyone could ever say to a person of African descent like Zidane. What a shame for a savage like Materazzi to end the career of one of the game's greats, one of such sublime skill and elegance

For those who don't know...Zidane's mother is seriously ill at the moment, and if i had my mother had been called a terrorist whore at that moment in time, i would have done the same thing to Matterazi.

And one more thing avinash both the coaches agreed that after seeing the replay they(FIFA fourth Official) have given red card which Fifa Denies. How is it possible . Just see buffon(Italy GoalKeeper) runing to line man asking why don't you have seen that acccident and meantime the fourth official (Luis Medina Cantalejo) watched the replay and asked the refree to send Zidane Off. This is Un fair as It is Against FIFA Rule.

He! He! Ok Shakeel, I will give it a try. I actually prefer tea (we have very good tea in Kenya) to coffee but someone here told me to smell some coffee so.....

I have also read about the disgusting remarks that Materrazzi made to ZZ. After reading this, I think ZZ should have headbutted the fool in the face not the chest!

I noticed there was a post earlier about the BBC regarding what Materazzi said to Zidane to provoke him. According to an article in the Daily Mail entitled "The disgusting abuse that sparked Zidane's fury", a deaf forensic lip-reader named Jessica Rees analyzed the incident, with the help of an Italian translator (Zidane must understand Italian form his time at Juventus). Anyway, Matterazi first said "Hold on wait..that's not one for a nigger like you" then said we allknow that you are the son of a terrorist whore" A lip-reader from Brazil also added that Matterazi twice called Zidane's sister a prostitute. Furthermore, it has widely been reported that he called Zidane a dirty terrorist. Besides this savage racial abuse, Matterazi clearly pinched and twisted Zidane's nipple. I also agree with an earlier post, that if these reports of the hideous abuse are found to be true, Italy should be stripped of the World Cup, in line with FIFA's supposed staunch anti-racism stance, but i doubt Blatter will have the guts to do so. About the game itself, the Italians played ugly, boring football in the last 60 minutes, not mounting one serious attack, not even when they had the man advantage, and just played for the penalties, knowing three of France's best were out (Viera, Henry, Zidane). Italy should be ashamed of itself, and Matterazi should be banned for a year or more.

I deeply regret having to use the word i just used in print, the one that rhymes with figure, "n*****". I thought it neccesary to illustrate Matterazi's savagery.

Basically I am from Orissa but at present I am in Hyderabad. Doing MCSE and CCNA . You can mail me any time at forevershakeel@yahoo.com. Where are u from Avinash. How is life out there. Keep in Touch
Regards
Shakeel

Reed, as I said before, I think he should have been headbutted in the face not the chest! There are some insults that have no place in sport - despite the trash talk that is common in many sports. So Materrazzi deserved what he got. Believe me Reed, Materrazzi was hurt by that headbutt.

Let me add that I think Italy played a FANTASTIC game against Germany! That, to me, was the best game in the whole competition. The way they finished off Germany in the last minute is simply memorable.

But then, Materrazzi happened.....

What a complete waste of web/storage space. I don't think I've seen such a high percentage of moronic comments anywhere, but then I don't read the Sun.

It's amazing to see so many with an opinion on the sport called Football (the real & original one), when they appear as limited in their knowlede & comprehension as those entertaining "Bud Guys", featured throughout the tournament on the commercial channels.

So when does the Scotsman's page size change to tabloid, in keeping with its content?

Oh sorry...I forgot you did that a couple of years ago.

Thought you guys might like to hear that BBC News tonight showed the red card incident to an Italian lip reader who then decyphered it. Apparently Metarazzi wished that Zidane's family had an "ugly death" (ZZ's mother has only just fallen ill and was in hospital at the time). He then told ZZ to "go f*** yourself" after ZZ had tried to apparently shrug things off by saying "stop it". Ah I just love to hate the Italien team!! Wouldn't it be ironic if most of them had to play in the 2nd division in Italy next season when the corruption report comes out this week.

It is amazing to me that a refereeing decision be allowed to be influenced by a TV replay on the sidelines. Despite what Zidane had done, if no official involved in the game actually saw it happen, there is no way he should have got sent off.

Absolutely ridiculous.

(I'm not saying it shouldn't have been a send off - just not a send off via a TV replay...)

re 258 "England lost, deal with it"
Don't worry mate I've already dealt with it . I'm Scottish, living in Edinburgh and reading an online Scottish newspaper. Scotland is NOT, never has been and never will be part of England. It is part of the UK. But then again assuming you're American then given the general historical and geographical knowledge of your average American, I'm not surprised you thought I was English!

One positive thing about this entire incident though; it has certainly taken the heat off Christian Ronaldo. Up until this point he was the bad boy of the 2006 World Cup with his every move booed by the crowd. I suppose one could argue that Zidane has beaten Ronaldo yet again! :-)

Hey Shakeel, on the subject of Italian diving, you should watch this great video link

http://grouper.com/GlobalMedia/MediaDetails.aspx?id=991389

May be he was afraid that zidane will score against italy . As he did with header in 104 minute of extra time. Let what ever happened . We will Remember Zinade as one of football Legend After PELE & MARODONA. Guys I have to Go now. It Was really nice seeing your views Have a good day ........

Peter you should read in post 265 what was said to Zidane...if your mother treated that way (called a terrorist whore while gravely ill), you were called a "n*****" (read post 265) and your sister was called a prostitute, you would have reacted the same way (if not, the vast majority of men would have)

Hey Avinash I have seen the video Clip.Its really Good One it shows How Italy Prepare for match...
Keep the good work

Avinash

I've already made my serious comments earlier in these posts, around the 30 mark, and you will see that I would disagree with what you have just said. Words are words and 'sticks and stones' etc.

If the vast majority of men, in your opinion, would react physically to a bit of verbal abuse then we haven't really come a long way, have we?

Common parlance is for people nowadays to casually call each other 'mother f***ers' etc. Does anyone actaully take this literally? And taunting within sports is commonly seen as 'psyching out' the opposition. In this case the Italian won his little psyching exercise.

I'm not condoning any of these stupid antics. My argument really is that it demonstrates graphically the nature of the game and the people who play it. Why they are reified above all recognition is beyond me.

I would like to mention , what they have done in USA Match. when De Rossi was sent off with a straight red card for an elbowing offence on Brian McBride .This was shamefull act And also if you see closely Materazzi header goal he was climbing( putting his Hand) on VIEIRA Patrick thats why vieira was not able to reach the ball where as Zidane did Header in 104 without any support.

Shakeel - I've been wondering about that header myself - his hand was *definitely* on viera's shoulder.

Peter

You make a compelling argument, with regards to the prevalence of trash talking in the athletic arena and the practice of deifying sports figures. It saddens me that sportsmanship and the spirit of good play no longer exist, and if they do, are practically invisible. While Zidane's offense cannot be condoned (it is a sure red card), Matterazi's qualifies as much worse in my opinion. Sportsmen cannot be labelled as intellectual giants, for the most part, and this incident exemplifies that. FIFA supposedly cracked down on racism very hard in this world cup, and they should back up these words now. Moreover, an official cannot watch video replay and assess a red card, it is against the total spirit of sport (the referee must see something in real time). Basically, Zidane deserved the red card, but Matterazi's words sadden me, and i wasn't even the one hearing them. He must be punished harshly.

I have always been a fan of great Italian teams which have played in my lifetime... I've watched the great Maldini, Baresi, Zoff, saw Paolo Rossi in '82.... Baggio, Donadoni, all those Italian greats in club soccer and representing their nation.

I was vouching for them in the 2006 final as well, because of the way they were sent off by Brazil in '94.... However, I wish they didn't get the cup the way they did. First of all, they should be MOST grateful to the referee in their game versus Australia... they were outplayed and still won on a bad call... and again in the final, were outplayed by France.

I still love Forza Azzurri, I just wish they had won it in a more "manly" and "just" manner... without the help of referees and racist players.... They got the world cup; they're in history... it's #4, yes... but, the method... kind of a shame.

Thomas,

That's very poetic.

Too bad I have no idea what you just said.

P.S. I must say, however, that the Italians DID play a great game versus Germany... just not versus France (or Australia). None the less, they are world champions. Forza! (well, minus that little b*tch Materazzi)...

In my last conclusion I would like to add is that when ever they (ITALY) played the game there was Controversies in USA Match , Australia Match And France Match this show how unfair they(Italy) have played

Materazzi has admitted that he did insult Zinedine Zidane . Please visit this site http://o3.indiatimes.com/mytimes/archive/2006/07/11/98553...
And more thing He( Materazzi) didn't told us that what he told to Zidane. Why he didn't tell because he said really bad thing. if it was a minor thing he should have told but he didn't .

Italian Anthony, no-one would begrudge Italy if they played a high quality tournament.

Bottom line, they beat:
- australia
- ukraine
- germany

to get to the final. With the exception of the end of the german game, most of their play was boring and overly defensive to watch. Without an exceptional goalkeeper you would not have gotten through.

Will they be remembered as a great side? No. Have they captured the imaginations of neutral fans worldwide? No. Did they beat the best sides en-route to the final? No. Did they employ questionable tactics in at least 3 of 7 games? Yes.

So it's easy to see why people are p***ed off that Italy won.

France on the other hand, beat:
- spain
- brazil
- portugal

Three highly skilled teams with super players. And they had a retiring legend in Zidane. The stuff fairy tales could have been made of.

The only thing Italians can take from this world cup is boasting rights. That's all. They haven't won over any new fans - not like France of 98 or previous brazilian teams.

And on Zidane, the brilliant is often bristly as well. Sure he stuffed up. But his legend will be bigger because of it.

A Scotsman - obviously the comments are moronic enough to keep you entertained... ;-)

Peter from England - are you kidding me with your "sticks and stones" rhetoric? Great in theory but everyone has their snapping point. It's just that for some people the way they cope is through physical violence, that's a pity for Zidane but pretty normal for people in general. 30 years ago this event would have been all hear say to most. Now it's live to billions.

Well , if someone has said to me that one day I'd to defend Materazzi ... I'd answer to him to be crazy! But, alas this is the right occasion to do it.
I agree with most of you that Zidane is a wonderful player. But he is not a saint! He has done things very similar in past years: in Champion's League against Hamburg, when he played with Juventus Turin (head butt) and with the Bleus in 1998 (disqualified for 4 matches). I really don't know what Materazzi said to him. At a first glance I think to have read a very simple "vaffanculo" (in italian it means something similar to "f..uc...k you"). People have you ever played football at any level? It happens to everyone. We simply don't know what other players said each other in the final only because in other cases there was no reaction!
In my opinion Zidane elt very much the match. It was so important not only for his team but also for him personally. He had well played and scored on penalty. He had been important ... but not decisive. The match was almost over and having attacked from the beginning of the second half had not been sufficient to win. And everyone on the field was really tired! I don't know what he thought in those moments but I've seen him loose control in other matches and he was ever expelled from the match in these cases. He simply knew what happens in case of so blatant and aggressive reaction. He went towards the middle of the field, saw the referee away and returned toward Materazzi to hit him. Not good indeed. I'd something to say also about the supposed "unfair game" of Italy and probably I'll do later (I don't want to annoy you too much). Only a thought about it. What is unfair? At European Championship, two years ago, he honest Denmark and Sweden openly fix a match result: they needed a 2-2 to go on in the competition against Italy. Theirs supporters came to see the match openly singing about the result that, obviously at the end was exactly what they

I can't believe the hypocritical fans saying Zidane did nothing wrong. Materazzi calls him a terrorist, and Zidane responds with a sudden act of violence aimed at striking fear in a civilian (namely, Materazzi)?

Maybe Zidane's fans are just upset by how prescient Materazzi's comment was...

Anyway, if Zidane is going to respond to trash talk with violence, he really should work on his fighting skills. That head butt was comical to watch, but do you really think Materazzi was even hurt by it? He barely even bothered to fake being hurt! If you actually believe that violence was called for, wouldn't you rather have seen Zidane, say, punch him in the face?

Rational posts don't seem to get much response here, so I thought I'd try a new approach.

I would like to say that mistakes are human. Zidane still remains a hero despite the fact that he was ruled by his emotions. Fifa should also think of punishing verbal fouls in addition to the physical. Otherwise many players will use that tactic to destroy the fates of their collegues who they know are short tempered.

Er Shakeel..... next time you wake up, try to smell some coffee and shake your, er, damn head. It just may change your thinking! He! He! He! Right Sheen?

Hey Shakeel,

Where in India are you? (About half of my family still lives there)

Anthony of Edinburgh. Be nice, or when we annex Scotland to be the 52nd State, I'll find you and force you to watch Tele Tubbies for 24 hours straight.

As for all you whining ZZ fans, the irony seems to escape you. No one could really defeat the great warrior, except the warrior himself.

Don't blame the Italian. Blame the "warrior" who chose momentary personal revenge over the good of his team mates.

That's the closest thing to the opposite end of a donkey I can think of, if you get my drift.

Gregg: You speak wisely; I would admire and agree with what you say, if you were actually of Negro, or Arab, or Latin-American, or any other "minority".... BUT, if you are none of those, then you have never truly walked in or experienced life in the shoes of the "warrior" you refer to... Therefore, you'd know how the actua-real Gregg would react... but you will never know how Gregg would react if had endured life as a minority prior to that moment...
((ok, yeah, what the hell... whatever... it still doesn't make ZZ's head-butt right... ))

If Materazzi was a wise man, he would retire... for his sake. In his remaining days as a footballer, you can bet he will be a marked man. I would hope that his days as a man aren't few... only his days as a footballer. One never knows how fans of another race may want to take matters into their own hands... this is when heated moments in sports cause regression instead of progress. Zidane's reaction only occurred, because Materazzi's action existed... Beware Marco.....

Hey, Marvin. My best regards to Texas. Hook 'em, Horns. Us Trojans will be back to get our own revenge! (smile)

I have lived as a minority under less lawful societies than the USA. One learns to navigate the perils, or suffer.

If... and I say IF... the taunt was racial, then ZZ has had a whole lifetime to learn to deal with it. He's a Frenchman of Algerian descent, of Muslim faith, married to a Spanish woman, working in a very cosmopolitan environment (Euro football), mixing with people of all levels and enjoying the freedom of virtually unlimited wealth.

He's had plenty of time and opportunity to control his reactions to racial taunts. (Again, IF that was the taunt.) His inability to learn that lesson, to step up to another level, is his fatal flaw. All heroes have a fatal flaw. This is his.

As Massimo Marzocchi wrote quite elegantly in this same publication....

"As he begins a retirement which will be split between a new home in the Alps and another in Madrid, Zidane will now find that there is no escape from the spotlight he has always been so anxious to avoid. Everywhere he goes, he will be the flawed genius who stunned the world that night in Berlin."

The way that Zizou play the game is incredible; he is a winner and also plays for the spectators to enjoy the game with his amazing skills.
He got everything personality...., hopes we will have some players in the future like Zizou which make us enjoy the football game.
Matazarati was lucky; because he didn't get the head burnt in his face definitely he will miss the celebration...
Thanks to Zizou ....God Luck for the rest of his career

Gregg. Thanks man, cheers to you! Yeah, you're right. In the end, Zidane allowed himself to have the "last word" in that unpleasant exchange.... at a time when he shouldn't have!
((I sure would like to have a home in the Alps or Madrid... )).

Anthony from Edinburgh,

I assumed as much, but since your team didn't even qualify, I thought you'd root for the next closest thing.

...and BigRedDog...
If we rate teams based on teams they beat...
you cacn totally see how the French deserve to be in the finals!!!

...unable to score on Switerland!
Tying 1:1 with Korea.....
Based on your logic, they shouldn't even be in the finals!

Besides France didn't 'beat' Spain, they cheated to win.

...plus Italy beating the team with the Golden Shoe winner, Klose, fair and square doesn't mean anything, does it???

Hey Avinash..

"not mounting one serious attack, not even when they had the man advantage"
Yeah, because Italy had a man advantage for an hour (like Australia for example).

"Italy should be ashamed of itself"
Yeah, the best team, defender, and goalie in the world should be ashamed. When they pay 33 million pounds for you, I'll hear what you have to say.

What's with all these whiners???
Once again, your teams lost...deal with it.

All these morons whining that Zidane was justifably provoked because of a racist remark, they in the same sentence slamming an entire country.

Moronic hypocrites and armchair athletes who probably never even played soccer.

Gregg from USA - well said. Each action (Materazzi & Zidane) has to be viewed on its own merits, independent of 'provocation'. We don't even really know what happened prior to headbutt, given there was over 100 minutes of game time leading up to it.

I'd put money on it that Zidane has been pulling these types of moves since he was able to walk, let alone on a football field. And we all know what big mouths Italians can have... ;-)

Yes of course Anthony.

You have to *play* soccer to enjoy it, just the same as you have to be a great *chef* to enjoy food, or a great *musician* to enjoy music.

You know you're right. In fact, they should start recruiting coaches and referees from this forum.

If you're going to criticise something, it helps to have some background is all I was saying. No one said anything about 'enjoying'

If we're going to go with ridiculous analogies:

I'd rather have doctor diagnose me than someone who enjoys watching ER.

I am ashame to be italian, the action , the insult made against Zidane are not acceptable, the italian player , should be disqualified for ever, it' s a racist , small act, which can not appear in sport!!!!!!
We all come from different country, which make soccer so interesting, and attractive, the french team was much better than the italian team , they prouved along the years, than thez can put real goals!!!!! We cannot said the same from Italia!!!!!
This is the worst world cup i ever seen in the all history of soccer, winning by penalty and corner what a game!!!!!! It was such a bring game! Viva la francia, viva Zidane, a man of honour, courage talent, and if some italian cannot cope with it , too bad for them!!!!

What Materrazzi said matter a lot!!!!!
Sometimes people should turn seven times their tongue in their mouth before talking, every man on this planet, if somebody insult their mother, they turning mad, but if your mother is sick, like the one of Zidane, your reaction will be worsth.....
In plus, Matterazzi, denies his own words, what a glorious man!!!!!
He will stay for ever in the soccer history, a huge real coward, what a man!!!
And this is not the first time he act like this, he is the reflect of the uglyness of this world.

Zizou shouldn't be ashame at all of what he done,
his reaction is honourable, he lose a battle may be but not the war, he' s a warrior, and a little bit of history, for our ignorant americain compatriote...
Zizou is not algerien, he is kabil, what' s a kabil, it' s a nomad, who came a long time ago in Algeria, his ancestor were "" The tatars"", just next Russia, and between mongolia, with a huge reputation of warriors, everybody were in fear of them, man of enormous honours, courage, and battle defenders, they immigrate next Persia, and after they getting mixte with the germanique, yes our friends the german, and only then immigrate in Algeria to settle down!!!
Alright, Whatever he will live his retirement quietly with his family and friends, he will stay in the mind of people all around the world, he will enjoy all his money , while you and me will be returning to work every day,earning our little cents, to pay the bill, and talking for hours about soccer, bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla-bla..............

Zizou was and will remain one of the greatest of football. Just like Maradona and Pele. Matterazzi should be playing Rugby, he is a coward racist who was able to screw up the world cup not only for Zidane but for Italy too. Just look at the world Hed lines, when speaking about the world cup 2006, we will always remember the nasty end to it. But hey Zidane is definitly not Matterazzi, who is this guy anyways never heard of him only in Italy, yet maybe, he is not De piero, Buffon. Just a simple warior who happened to play soccer. He deserved to be quicked the way Zidane did, by the way the Matterazzi the warior looked like a shemale, funny to see him down almost crying. Well deserved, Thanks Zidane and let's remember that Italy won the World cup and cheer with them. VIVA ITALIA

Anthony, I just wanted to say I'm in COMPLETE agreement with you on your point about:

"All these morons whining that Zidane was justifably provoked because of a racist remark, then in the same sentence slamming an entire country."

The level of hypocrisy from some Zidane supporters is unreal. "He was justified! Racism and Italians are intolerable!"

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=t...

The above article is as close to the truth as you will find.

Interesting article, Ahsan. Some of the opinions I agreed with, others not so much. In any case, it's the first place I've heard anyone suggest that maybe Zidane wanted to come out of the game so that he wouldn't have to take one of the clutch PK's at the end. Even though the article was very pro-Zidane, I imagine that particular opinion won't sit well with many of his fans.

Countries fight over insults, they even go to war. Even nature reacts to provocation, and civilisation think so better of themselves that they won't, or shouldn't? Just deliver the right offense, and you'll see that anybody will fight back.

Zidane is a man. He knows what he believes and should defend. All of human race does that! Materazzi is nothing but a scheming, immature and cowardly actor, to say the least. This Italian is a disgrace to Italian football, let alone The World Cup. To taint the trophy with tactical acting, as opposed to football skills kills the sport.

There are far more foul-plays in the game than FIFA would like to admit to seeing. So, they turn the blind eye. And more of this will follow in the subsequent World Cups. And they have the cheek to tout fairplay! FIFA ought to examine themselves, their referees and their decisions before they even whisper fairplay.

I have full respects for Zidane. And if I were French, I'd salute him with the greatest respect. For Materazzi, he'd best be punished severly in the name of respect for the sport.

Otherwise, don't call it the World Cup. Call it as it is, the Foul Cup.

It takes two to tango. I think both players should have been given red cards not just Zidane. Materazzi must have said something really bad to make Zidane react the way he reacted.

And as for, NFL the real football, says who? World football is the real football.

watch out, provocators and foul speakers will get yellow in future

Of course, people will say their views on this "world matter".

For those of us who think ZZ has lost it, you right he losted. But anyone in that positoin and circumstance at that time can only know how to response on that personal insult. When someone who knows your personal/prive circumstance as Metarazzi did, and kows that your mother is very serious ill and sledges you and wishs her the worst, it's understandable to me, Zidane has reacted that way. I'd have done the same, and that's why he said that he doesn't regret it for a bit.

For those mixing politics with football and judging Zidane for his nationality, get real and wake up. Others who think his headbut is weak and he should have knocked him out, what you forgetting is that there was no intent to be violent, and definately no premeditation of that. It was heat of the moment reaction, impulsive emotion response.

Metarazzi is cowardly deniying now, and even saying that Zidane was and is his hero growing up and respects him enormously. Well, what a funny way to show respect to someone you admire.