I wanted to title this blog simply “Zidane,” praising the extraordinary career of one of the greatest soccer players as he retires. After today’s ugly move -- in the 110th minute of the final against Italy, which Italy ultimately won, Zidane headbutted Italian defender Materazzi and received a red card for it -- Mr. Zidane still deserves praise for his career. But he does not deserve the grand blog I had prepared for him. He simply lost it, at a critical phase of the game in one of the most significant games of his life. His behavior will always be sadly remembered – by his fans and likely by himself as well.
Yet, what did Mr. Materazzi say? I suggest that he simply tell us. Mr. Materazzi’s answer may provide us with unique insight into what made one of the greatest players tick. Depending on what he said, it may also raise questions about individual sportsmanship and the ethics of the soccer sport as a whole.
I hope Mr. Materazzi (rather than Mr. Zidane) will tell us. I hope Mr. Materazzi will have the greatness of character to tell us the truth, even if it may reflect badly on him.
I totally agree on all. The incidence is specially sad because it is well known that Mr Materazzi is a mediocre soccer player but with an impressing history of violence (Both verbal and physical) more proper for a rugby or Ice Hockey player than for a soccer proffesional. Mr. Zidane knowing who he had in front of him should have been able to ignore all offenses. Actually I don't think that even complete honesty from Mr. Materazzí's side would stain his reputation more than it already is.
Posted by: Anders Kjong | July 10, 2006 at 11:46 AM