Zidane

It is a little disappointing to see the World Cup conclude the way it did. Obviously the final needed to end at some point but how more fulfilling it is to see a game won on goals scored during the game rather than on a penalty kick shootout.

But that isn't the most disappointing part. The most disappointing part is seeing Zidane, who some have said is the best overall player to step out on the field in the past ten years, the star and captain of his nation's team, in double overtime, the game ready to go to PK's, him being of the most consistent PK takers in the world, lose his cool apparently over something said by Italian player Marco Materazzi.

I have played soccer since I was 5 and I understand that it is part of the game, as well as in other sports, to exchange heated words with opponents and even with teammates. But do words ever warrant an extreme physical reaction as was demonstrated by the French star? I'm talking strictly about the exchange of words on the field, court, arena, where a sporting event is taking place. I don't think so at all, especially at the professional level where, yes, they are being paid to win, but they are role models as well. And especially so when it's the World Cup final, seen by the whole world, 10 minutes to go before a shootout, you are the Captain, you are the star of the tournament, etc.. Wow!

BUT it'll be interesting to read what it was that Materazzi said, and to see if Zidane can redeem himself and do the classy, sportmanship thing with an apology. And the same with Maternazzi if what he said was indeed completely out of line. Take a look at this to see just how nasty of player Materazzi can be. It could very well be that Zidane wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine before retiring from soccer for good. That's still no excuse though given it's the World Cup final.

Zidane won the Golden Ball (best player in the Cup) award.