World Cup

[Jedi Master Carr]

So anybody interested in it? I know the Europeans on this board are probablly pysched and the same with anybody from Latin America and Australia. The Favorites of coruse are Brazil and Germany (because they are the host team). What will the USA do? They surprised people in 2002 by getting to the Quaters but they have to get by Czech republic and Italy. I hope they reach the next round although they will probably get Brazil if they did.

[JMK]

I will have a passing interest and may watch as the stakes get higher but that's about it. Many of the live matches take place during the day time when we're at work in North America and I can't stand watching tape delayed sporting events.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah me either. I will watch it more when it gets closer to the final. I did watch the last few minutes of the Germany match today.

[Jedi Master Carr]

England won yesterday beat Paraguay 1-0. USA plays on Monday, I am really curious to see what they do.

[CMJ]

I'll be at work during the US match on Monday, but I'll be following online.

[Vega Van-Derveld]

I don't reallly watch football anymore, but a lot of my friends are excited about it, and are insisting on watching all of the matches. Now our whole social schedule has to fit around when the next game is on... :headache People are going especially mental since it's Germany who's hosting it, and everyone wants to beat the Germans (old grudge), particularly on their own turf.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I might be able to catch part of the USA's game on Monday, I am not sure yet.

[Mandy with an I]

I watched the Iran/Mexico game on ABC today. I like watching the World Cup because it's one of the few sporting events I sort of understand the rules for ^_^;

[Oriadin]

The World Cup is the single best sporting event in the world for me. Football is really one of the very few sports that on any given day any team can beat another and the whole game can change in an instant.

The tension you feel when your team is playing is amazing and as long as there is no trouble, there is no atmosphere like it.

Personanally my money is on Argentina but Brazil can never be ruled out and this year is Englands best chance I think. On paper, England have the team to do it I think, but I think their tactics are rubbish and since Im scottish, I will support any team playing against England! :lol

Ive watched a little bit of every game so far. Im not one to be glued to the TV for the whole competition but I'll have most games on in the background if I can.

The best thing about the World Cup is, there's always something to watch on TV!

[JMK]

Can someone tell me how extra (injury) time works please????

I can't stand watching a game for 90:00, then continue for another arbitrary amount of time. The guys calling the game don't even know!!! During one game all I heard from them was 'there can't be much time left now!'...I find that soooo lame.

[Vega Van-Derveld]

Extra time is for if the scores are tied, and a clear winner is needed. Injury/stoppage time is to compensate for any time wasted through things like substitutions, injured players, etc. I think Extra time is usually a fixed amount of about 30 mins (split into 2 periods), where as the length of injury/stoppage time is left up to the referees... so that could be anything.

[JMK]

Originally posted by Vega Van-Derveld the length of injury/stoppage time is left up to the referees... so that could be anything.

That's the part that kills me! Where's the drama in injury time since you don't know when it's going to end? I understand there's a certain amount, but if there was a countdown and you knew exactly how much time you had left to defend a lead, or tie the game, it would be much more stressful/entertaining. But that's just me.

[Morgan Evanar]

USA got outplayed by the Czechs. Not surprising, the Czechs have a very good team.

[Oriadin]

Originally posted by JMK
That's the part that kills me! Where's the drama in injury time since you don't know when it's going to end? I understand there's a certain amount, but if there was a countdown and you knew exactly how much time you had left to defend a lead, or tie the game, it would be much more stressful/entertaining. But that's just me.

There is a person called the fourth official. Basically their job is to keep the managers from hurling abuse at the ref, checking substitutions are done ok and also keeping a track of any stoppage time. Come the end of 90 mins the 4th official holds up a board stating how much time there will be, however this is only a rough amount of time. Generally if a team is in a strong attacking position then the ref wont end the game until the ball becomes dead or goes lose. At most, its a minute or so.

Ads to the tension really because if your a goal down and the ref is waiting to blow his whistle, you need to keep hold of the ball deep into your opponants end of the pitch.

Football is a very flowing game. Any time wasting is frowned upon. Unlike almost all american sports its not stop start so if the game does stop for an injury or goal celebrations or whatever, then the ref can add time at the end of the half.

[Jedi Master Carr]

USA has to beat Italy now, they can do it, but they have to play better.

[Mandy with an I]

The Japan/Aussie game today was excellent. :) I had work, so I only got to catch that one. Australia plays Brazil next (I think?)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Good luck with Brazil they are probably the best in the world. They are the favorites but I think Germany has a great shot too.

[Oriadin]

Originally posted by Oriadin
Personanally my money is on Argentina

Probably not a bad bet! They beat Serbia and Montenegro 6-0!
Fair enough, they arent the greatest opposition in the world but apparently Argentina's movement was superb and thats the first thumping of the competition

[Jedi Master Carr]

Argentina and Brazil are big rivals so they both could be there. Throw in Germany, Czech Republic and England. I think those are probably the best 5 teams.

[Jedi Master Carr]

USA gave it all against Italy. Considering they were down two players and it was 10-9 it was a miracle they got a tie. Plus with the Czech loss they have to beat Ghana and have Italy win against Czech. I think it can happen.

[CMJ]

Hasn't Italy pretty much wrapped up a spot in pool play? Will they really go full bore vs the Czech Republic...because we need the Italians to win that game.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Originally posted by CMJ
Hasn't Italy pretty much wrapped up a spot in pool play? Will they really go full bore vs the Czech Republic...because we need the Italians to win that game.

Well if they lose they get Brazil and I were Italy I rather not get Brazil first crack.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Brazil beat Australia today 2-0 although they again didn't look very impressive. For the best team in the world they have had trouble against two inferior teams. Of course they could put it all together in the next round.

[JMK]

Isn't that the sign of a great team though? When they don't play their best but still come out on top?

[Jedi Master Carr]

True, it certaintly can, but I can think of several teams with a lot of talent which played that way (UConn this past year sleptwalked through a lot of games and they didn't win). The last USA Olympic basketball games come to mind too. Of course at the same time, Brazil blanked both teams so they have no problems shutting people out.

[Oriadin]

I thought Austrailia were excellent against Brazil. They were very organised, hard working and didnt give up. They werent afraid to have a go.

Ronaldo looked a little better for Brazil. Not fit but looked interested this time around. I think you could see him light up once Brazil are out of the group stage. Its true we have yet to see the best from Brazil but as mentioned above, they have kept two clean sheets. Brazil are incredibly dangerous on the break, they are quick and have 10 players that can run at the defence, actually, I wouldnt be suprised if the Keeper could as well!

Still, Im going with the Agentinians. Argentina Vs Brazil final, with Italy and England in the Semis (if its possible to work out that way!)

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am going with Germany vs Brazil. I think the homecourt for Germany will get them to semis at the very least.

[Oriadin]

Depends on how the fixtures go today I think. The Winners of Englands group will play the 2nd placed team of Germany's group and vice versa. If England and Germany meet in the next round, I think Germany will go out.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Haha, now that is a match I would like to watch :D Imagine the atmosphere, the aftermath, if we slaughtered Germany. I'm not one for football, really, but even I could get swept up in that drunken hysteria quite happily.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well Germany finished first in their group by beating Equador. If England beats Sweden then they are #1 in theirs. Also England would be better off winning that game because they would get Ecuador next who is beatable. Then they would get the winner of Portugal and the Netherlands and really they should make it to the Semis. Germany would have to play Aregentina in the Quaters in that scenerio most likely. Both Avoid Brazil since they are in the other side.

[Oriadin]

England were lucky last night I felt. Sweden hit the crossbar twice, had a shot cleared off the line and were unlucky not to win a penalty for hand ball.

Fair play to Sweeden, they wanted the win and they gave England a good go. From Englands point of view, first decent opposition they've played and conceeded two very soft goals. Can't play like that against a quality side. Owen out is a big blow since Rooney isnt fully fit and they are short on strikers.

England are going to have to up there game for the top quality teams.

Come on Ecuador! [/Scottish in me]

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well I think they can beat Ecuador. Ecuador really hasn't looked that good they have looked worst than England in this world cup. Beyond beating them who knows, they won't make it out of the quarters though if Rooney doesn't get better. Germany looks like a certain for the Quaters probably against Argentina. No way they lose to Sweden. The Germans just looked dominant yesterday. Getting past Argentina won't be easy but I still think they will make it to the semifinals.

[Oriadin]

A lot of the big guns out of the competition now!

Brazil - Out
Argentina - Out
England - Out

How on earth did France beat Brazil? They have been rubbish for ages and then all of a sudden knock spain and brazil out... wtf?

Portugal look fairly solid, Italy are very strong and Germany are impressing me more and more as the competition goes on. I think that anyone left in the competition could go on to win it now.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I been meaning to comment on this. France has Brazil's number. This is the third time they have beaten them in the last 8 years and twice in the World Cup. I think Germany is going to win. The home edge in the last two games will really help them. I am going to say it will be France and Germany in the final with Germany winning out.

[JMK]

I think the winner of the Italy/Germany game will win the World Cup. Either the Germans and their home field advantage will be enough, or the Italians and their great defensive style will carry them through.

[Yog]

It was depressing to see Brazil, Argentina and England get knocked out. The WC died a bit for me when those teams left. I really wanted Argentina to win, they played some fantastic football earlier in the tournament. France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, I dont care so much for those teams style of playing football, and they failed to impress me. Its less entertaining and tends to be disruptive and defensive.

Who do I think will win? Germany because of homefield advantage. Who do I hope win? Italy, because I have Italian relatives, and I better not be a traitor.. :p

[Morgan Evanar]

Italia! Even though I think Zee Germans vill vin.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I can't believe Germany lost, Wow. The top three teams are gone (I think the 4 and 5th teams are gone too). I think France is going to win now, any team that can shut out mighty Brazil I think is something.

[Yog]

Well, I disagree with you there. Italy pulled out one heck of a game against Germany, who was of course hoping for the penalty kick competition at the end. But that was not to happen, although after the the two shots in the bar, I had to wonder. Had it gone to penalties, it would have been wide open, with advantage germany because of the enormous nerve pressure of shooting penalties with 60,000 germans booing and hissing their throats off at Italy.

Italy really played the best this match. If they are able to beat a solid home team like Germany the way they did, at the very last minute of the game, then I think they can beat anyone. This was Italy at its very best. Super strong defense, with venomous counters attacks. Its a championship team.

France has good reason to worry. Im also not 100% sure France will beat Portugal. Remember how Holland got knocked out with the portugese rough football. It was a scandal game with 4 red cards, and I dont know how many yellow cards. If it gets similary rough, anything could happen. Although, I agree France is the favorite there.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I just think France has been playing great, they have been playing better and better. Besides I don't care for Italy. Even though I don't really follow soccer that whole points scandal I heard about is embarassing and sounds like some of the things we have had in this country.

[Yog]

Well, here is something to think about Italy:

- they only let in one single goal the entire tournament
- they just beat the home team
- they have not won the cup for a while, so you can bet they are hungry
- they are masters of steering the game how they want. If Italy score one goal, the game is over, no matter what team is on the other end.

[JMK]

Originally posted by Master Yoghurt
- they are masters of steering the game how they want. If Italy score one goal, the game is over, no matter what team is on the other end.

As long as they score first. ;)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah if somebody can score early it is over. Italy has almost no offense.

[JMK]

What a heartbreaking loss for Germany though. They were only a couple minutes away from penalty kicks where they are almost perfect.

I hope someone really puts that Totti out of a game though. What a diving faker that guy is. He's got to be one of the worst I've seen.

[Oriadin]

Originally posted by JMK
What a heartbreaking loss for Germany though. They were only a couple minutes away from penalty kicks where they are almost perfect.

I hope someone really puts that Totti out of a game though. What a diving faker that guy is. He's got to be one of the worst I've seen.

I think you just summed up the Italian game in general there. In Italy, they reguard diving as a form of skill or something. The anoying thing is their players are good enough to not have to do that.

I have to say, I thought last nights game was a cracker. It was so fast paced for the entire game and the two goals right at the end were quality.

France Vs Portugal... tough one to call because their styles are very different. France are fairly flamboyant whereas Portugal are solid and tough. I wasnt impressed with how France started out, but knocking Spain and Brazil out has to be admired. I think Italy look the best side left in the competition. France are getting stronger and Portugal refuse to go away.

Personally, Id like to see Portugal win it since they never have done before. Plus Figo is who I use for Oriadins images. :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well France won so it will be France vs Italy. I think France is going to win, I just have that feeling they have gotten stronger. Oh here is something interesting France has several minorities playing for them and this has caused some controversity in France, thanks to Le Pen who made a big deal about the black players. It would be fitting for them to win and show off bigots like that.

[Oriadin]

I have to say, Im glad France went through simply for the fact Portugal were diving all over the place. Its disgraceful and should not be a part of the game. In my opinion, anyone caught diving and trying to win a penalty should be fined and banned for a game.

Looking forward to the final now though. Should be interesting. I think Italy are the better side, but France keep pulling results out the hat.

[Jaime Tomahawk]

Originally posted by Master Yoghurt
Well, here is something to think about Italy:

- they only let in one single goal the entire tournament
- they just beat the home team
- they have not won the cup for a while, so you can bet they are hungry
- they are masters of steering the game how they want. If Italy score one goal, the game is over, no matter what team is on the other end.

The best divers too. Dont think Australia's going to forgive those cheaters for a looooooooong time.

[JMK]

I didnt' get to see the Portugal game, but here's what I heard about it from people in the office here:

-The refs were heavily favoring France.

-Portugal was diving everywhere (which coincides with what Oriadin said).

Those 2 reports sort of conflict, and I'm surprised to hear that Portugal had resorted to diving. They were a tough, physical team, I wouldn't have thought them to change and become a team of divers. That's horrid, and I agree. If you're caught diving or faking an injury you should be gone.

[Yog]

Originally posted by Jaime Tomahawk
The best divers too. Dont think Australia's going to forgive those cheaters for a looooooooong time.

Well, no arguments there. This has been their trademark for decades. They are masters of deception and manipulating the referees and the clock. This goes along with the southern european style of playing football, and in some latin american countries. Italy will pretty much do anything that wins them the game.

What could make them champion this time around though, they suddenly have much more to offer than that. While it can't be denied they had luck and bad referee calls favoring them on the way, they are also a very strong and balanced team which handles all aspects of the game. I was surprisingly entertained by Italy's play vs Germany. It was not just the usual stay back in defense and wait for opponents mistake, I have seen in so many previous tournaments. Near the end, Lippi put 2 more strikers on the field for extra offensive output, and they gave Germany a whopping.

They are a very hard team to beat, but I don't think its true that they dont have an offense. They had a fast one-touch play in small areas, then they would combine it with long precise crossballs. At times, it was technical brilliant. Most of these guys play in Serie A, and it showed. Against Gernamy, they looked better than I have seen them in a long time. Even a German I know said Italy deserved to win that game.

Remember, even France man of the match vs Portugal, Zinedine Zidane is a Juventus player, that cheating team with horrible players ;)

[Yog]

Terrific game yesterday between Germany and Portugal! Before the final today, here is my all star team of players I believe were the best so far:

Yog's all star team (4-3-3)

Keeper - Gianluigi Buffon, Italy: By many concidered the best keeper in the world. Nowadays, he only lets in self goals. Spectacular panther saves. He radiates confidence to his team mates. Italy only let in 1 goal the whole tourney.

Right back - Gianluca Zambrotta, Italy: Strong competition from France Willy Sagnol, who had a similar positive development. However, Zambrotta wins the spot based on offensive energy.

Centerback - Fabio Cannavaro, Italy: High level all the way and amazing play, topped with a gigantic game vs Germany. Not the greatest on the field, but Cannavaro has a presence which impresses. Got everything. Duels, wisdom, speed.

Centerback - Lilian Thuram, France: Thuram has been the great force in the french defence. Amazing one vs one, and 8 years after the WC gold on homefield, he seems better than ever.

Left back - Fabio Grosso, Italy: Grosso or Philip Lahm? After the semis, I have to say Grosso. Lahm had a fantastic start, but became less visible when the competition got stronger. Grosso had the opposite development. Brilliant vs Germany.

Left midfield - Zinedine Zidane, France: One of the legends of football, some people compare him with the likes of Pele and Maradona (I do not however). Startet moderately, but got back into original shape vs Spain and Brazil, and now he could make the WC his own with a grand finale vs Italy. What a way to end his career that would be.

Right midfield - Andrea Pirlo, Italy: Looks bored at time, allmost uninterested, but what a technique, vision of play and football genius! Spins around when he must, makes brilliant passes and puts a distninguished mark on every game he plays.

Central midfield - Deco, Portugal: Maybe a controversial choice, but it makes perfect sense to me. At times shows level of play no one else masters, and with another striker than Pauleta, Portugal would have had full effect of Deco's briliance - and been in the final.

Right Forward - Frank Ribery, France: France "streetfighter" only got better and better. Enormous work capacity, allways playable, and in one way or the other, Ribery gets the ball no matter what. A true plague and nightmare for any defense.

Mid Forward - Miroslav Klose, Germany: The start was better than the continuation, but saves the spot based on his fantastic heading goal vs Argentina. Becomes WC topscorer unless Henry or Toni goes bananas in the final. Klose does it simple and effective.

Left Forward - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal: Fascinates and irritates. Never been better than in this tournament. Incredible abilities in great speed, and it has to be recognized. Could become one of the all time greats if he cuts the exaggerations and acting.

[Yog]

What a horrible exit for Zinedine Zidane. A fully deserved red card.

Otherwise, nerve shattering final. Only an inch and the bar seperated victory from defeat. Congrats Italy!

[JMK]

Zidane seriously tarnished his reputation as a great sportsman with that awful headbutt. Well deserved red card. After Henri was taken out of the match is was his responsibility to make sure he was around to see it through, especially considering his replacement hit the cross bar. Bad timing, and a terrible way to end an internation career.

[Oriadin]

It really is a crying shame. I have no idea what must have been said to Zidane because he was jogging away from the player, then turned and headbutted him!

It was one hell of a headbut too because it knocked the player clean off his feet. Not the way he wanted to end his sublime footballing career Im sure. No matter what was said to him, he has been disgraced. In front of the whole world, he has set the worst possible example.

In terms of the game, it was fantastic. I think Italy were worthy winners of the competition but simply looking at the last game, it should have gone to france. It has to be said that the penalty shoot out was about the best ive seen. Every penalty was simply superb and the one that cost france the world cup would have hit the cross bar and gone in had it been half an inch lower. Thats what seperated the two teams and thats got to be hard to swallow.

Overall, a very enjoyable competition. Too many cards for my liking and something must be done about diving. Its a shame about Zidane but credit to both France and Italy for playing in the best world cup final ive seen.

[JMK]

I can't stand seeing games go down to shootouts though. Even in the Olympics, the Ice Hockey gold medal game has been decided by shootout in the past and I HATE it. I know that players are dead tired and I know that they could conceivably play for another 3 hours but IMO it's a team game and they should settle it as a team. I feel so badly for goalers in penalty kicks. It's just not fair - they have no chance but to guess where the ball will go.

On the other hand, if Zidane hadn't scored on his penalty shot in the 7th minute, I don't think France would have ever scored a goal so Italy was a deserving winner.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

From what I've read, it seems Matarazzi said something racist about Zidane, and if that was the case then a headbutt was the least of what he should've gotten.

[Jedieb]

Matawhatever could have been describing the position he abused Zidane's mother the night before, there's no excuse for what Zidane did. He was the best player on his team, everything was on the line, and he threw it all away for a CHEAP SHOT. If what he said was that bad, he tells the guy where he can find after the match and he takes care of him then. Pro athletes hear this kind of crap all the time, you can only imagine what Yankees and BoSox outfielders have to listen to at Fenway and Yankee Stadium. You don't throw away a championship just so you can suckerpunch someone at crunch time, it's gutless and beyond stupid. Anyone think Big Papi or Jeter would slap a runner at 2nd or 1st because they said something they didn't like, bottom of the 9th, game 7, tie game? Not likely.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

I never said it was kosher to do it during the game. I've seen videos of Matarazzi play, and from what I saw the man had it coming. The timing was just a tad off on Zidane's part is all.




World-Zidane apparently called "dirty terrorist"
Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:38 PM BST

PARIS, July 10 (Reuters) - France captain Zinedine Zidane was apparently called a "dirty terrorist" by Marco Materazzi before he head-butted the Italy defender in Sunday's World Cup final, the anti-racism group SOS Racism said on Monday.

"According to several very well informed sources from the world of football, it would seem that the Italian player Marco Materazzi called Zinedine Zidane a 'dirty terrorist'," SOS Racism said in a statement.

Zidane, the son of Algerian immigrants, was shown a red card after the incident and Italy went on to win on penalties after the match was tied 1-1 following extra time.

The Paris-based group called for an inquiry and said world soccer's governing body FIFA had recently toughened sanctions against racism.

"It's for this reason that SOS Racism asks in a determined fashion for FIFA to shed light on this altercation and that sanctions laid out in the official rules be applied should this be the case," SOS Racism said.

Neither Zidane nor Materazzi have spoken in public about what had passed between them before the incident. French television reported that Zidane would talk about the incident "in the coming days".

[Jedieb]

A tad off?!!! That's an understatement. It was horrifically boneheaded timing. And I've seen a longer replay where all you see them is jawing, Zidane STOPS backpeddaling, and then sucker-headbutts him. I bet the Italian did say something disgusting, it's still no excuse. It's the most important game of your sport and it's crunchtime. You get your payback when the time is right, not when your TEAM needs you.

[Jedieb]

"It's the dumbest thing in the HISTORY of sports!"
I love PTI!!!!!!!!! :crack

[Figrin D'an]

Bottom line, Zidane lost his cool, and he did something stupid that every player knows will earn a red card. With all of the heckling and downright cruel things that get said to players by their opposition and their opposition's fans in soccer (football) stadiums around the world, I find it hard to believe that being called a "dirty terrorist" is the worst comment that's ever been tossed in Zidane's direction.

The captain and star player of a team needs to have his focus on the game and his teammates in that kind of situation, especially when a championship is on the line. The truely great players in any sport are able to do this... that's part of what makes them great.

[Oriadin]

According to the BBC today, apparently the Italian said to Zidane that he hoped he and his family had a horrible death. Thats when Zidane turned around, which was then followed by the F word towards Zidane and he went in.

Apparently earlier that day Zidane learnt that his mother was gravely ill. If thats why he flipped, then I can see why he did. Tensions high and something like that is just bang out of order. Still, a player of his stature should rise above it and as mentioned above, do something about it after the game. Without doubt it was a sending off and he cant expect anything else. Did it change the result at the end of the day? I doubt it.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Originally posted by Jedieb
A tad off?!!! That's an understatement.

My apologies. I'll remember to stop being facetious from now on in this forum.

[Jedieb]

Sorry, I thought you were serious. :angel

He was gone for the last 10 minutes and would have been one of France's kickers during the shootout. It cost his team and his country big time. It sure as hell didn't help them. This is going to go down as one of the dumbest moves in the history of sports, period.

[JMK]

Originally posted by Jedieb
"It's the dumbest thing in the HISTORY of sports!"
I love PTI!!!!!!!!! :crack

How soon they forget on PTI.

I think the stupidest thing ever done in Sports occured just a few short months ago in the Olympics. American snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis was well out in front of her gold medal race and decided to pull a cute stunt off the last jump. She wiped out, lost the gold, and millions in endorsements and adulation in the process.

It may not be as high profile as a World Cup final match but THAT was stupid personified. It was cocky, arrogant and was a symbol of everything that the Olympics are not *supposed* to be.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Originally posted by Jedieb
Sorry, I thought you were serious. :angel

He was gone for the last 10 minutes and would have been one of France's kickers during the shootout. It cost his team and his country big time. It sure as hell didn't help them. This is going to go down as one of the dumbest moves in the history of sports, period.



It's all good. I usually type how I talk, thinking that my voice inflections carry through text so it's no worry.

I do just want to clarify that I'm not trying to justify or excuse Zidane's actions, just understand the reasoning behind them. I certainly don't condone it, but I do want to know a little more as to why he did what he did. I'm not about to put myself in his place either, because I know I can say with certainty that with the amount of stress from such a game coupled with personal life issues, I'd probably snap in the heat of the moment as well. Humans do stupid things, and sometimes they do things that seem for a split-second to be fantastic in the short run, yet are not-so-fantastic in the long run. This was just such an occurance.

I'm fairly nuetral on the subject itself, but I do feel that with the theme of the 2006 World Cup being anti-racism, Matarazzi was out of line himself in what he said.

[Oriadin]

Originally posted by Jedieb
Sorry, I thought you were serious. :angel

He was gone for the last 10 minutes and would have been one of France's kickers during the shootout. It cost his team and his country big time. It sure as hell didn't help them. This is going to go down as one of the dumbest moves in the history of sports, period.

David Trezeguet was the one who missed the penalty and if Zidane had stayed on the pitch, David Trezeguet would still have taken a penalty. Everyone else who took a penalty scored. I dont think him getting sent of cost them the game, but your right, it cant have helped.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Having a little bit of fun with the situation, most of these were done by SomethingAwful Goons; sadly it seems no credit has been given to these guys. Some of the gifs even made it onto a few news stories.

Video of many Goon-made gifs (http://www.flurl.com/item/Zidane_Head_Hit_Video_f_1980/)

Gallery with again, many Goon-made gifs (http://www.eylol.de/fun/bilder/galery--zidane-vs-materazzi-521.html)

I find alot of them to be absurdly hilarious, not to mention in some cases wonderfully inspired and nostalgic :)

edit - and my personal favorite, Zidane knocking down Fidel Castro :D

<img src=http://s93860457.onlinehome.us/misc/zidanecastro.gif>

[Yog]

Haha, I saw some of these on CNN earlier

[Jedieb]

Well, for his head butting of Castro he's now my hero. MY HERO!!! :crack

[Darth McBain]

:lol That Castro one rocks!!!