Zinedine Yazid Zidane, was a soccer player for the
national French team and is now an assistant coach and sporting director for
Real Madrid. He is known as one of the best ever soccer players in the world
and was brought to the attention of everyone in 2006 when he head-butted an
Italian player and was red-carded off the field. France lost the World Cup to
Italy that year. However, the head-butt became his signature in that it showed,
to those of us who paid attention, his integrity and honor. Because of his high
profile status as a top player, the Italians, of course, had it in for him in a
big way during the game. Understanding that the French and Italians are major rivals for
anything from wine to countryside, lovers and soccer, one can see why the
Italian’s went so zealously after Zidane in that last match. After an entire match full
of insults, innuendos, and general verbal bullying, the last straw happened
when Marco Materazzi insulted Zidane's sister, and I mean really insulted her,
just to goad Zidane into doing what he did. It worked.
Zidane had had enough. We were in France
watching the game on TV when it happened and boy did it set off a reaction all
over the country. The general feeling the next day was that Materazzi got what
he deserved and Zidane was a hero, even though they lost the game. It was
awesome!
If you watch the video below, you'll see what I mean!
Never heard of this guy, but I don't keep up with soccer. I do enjoy watching the game though. Great name to use for "Z". Congratulations on finishing the A to Z Challenge.
ReplyDeleteLee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog
Thanks Arlee, you too! And be visiting you again soon...
DeleteBefore 2006 I hadn't heard of him either! I think another reason he "allowed" the guy's words to get to him was Zidane knew it was his last game so nothing they could do to him would bother him. He retired right after this, but is still active. Thanks Arlee, and to you too! Really enjoyed your "dream" movie blog!
ReplyDeleteInsulting a sister? Ouch -- that really was asking for trouble, or begging for trouble, in this case.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on surviving A to Z. I've enjoyed my "visits" to France and hope to get there someday soon.
Wendy at Jollett Etc.
Yep, that's what I thought too. Glad you've enjoyed France through my eyes. I can't wait to get back... And thanks for your posts. I've really enjoyed the trip through time with you. My mother is from Virginia, so I felt her while reading your posts. Congrats to you too!
DeleteHi Lisa .. I've always enjoyed hearing his name .. and a great Z choice - though I hadn't fully realised the incident.
ReplyDeleteStill it's good he's still involved and enjoys his football ... cheers and here's to your Z - I'll be catching up .. the m/c is still somewhat iffy .. so I'm back vaguely! Now to get sorted ... Hilary
Good luck in your sorting Hilary! I'm back to work on my work in progress and will be co-hosting this month on the IWSG, which is exciting! Never done that before. See you later!
DeleteI've never heard of him, but seems to be accomplished in soccer. I like watching ice hockey although it's a bit violent and I'm not--or so I believe. Congrats for getting to the end of the A-Z!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you too! It's been a great month and I enjoyed your blog. You and one other I found used the theme of the past and it was a joy to ride along with you... I've been pinning blogs that I've found that I like throughout the month on pinterest so I have them all in one place and can easily keep up...
DeleteWow, what a name....lol. Whatever happened to soccer players having easy names....like Pele'? :D Great theme and thanks for always dropping by and commenting on my crazy attempt at A to Z'ing, I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! Glad you did it again this year. On the names, well, could say the same for our presidents, right?!!! Of course I do think Obama is easy to say and remember, but it is different!
DeleteWow. All that over a headbutting. I don't watch soccer, but I'm sure if I did I'd be familiar with him. That's pretty funny--how iconic that single action has become.
ReplyDeleteTrue Heroes from A to Z
I agree, and it could have backfired on him big time. But I guess he thought the risk was worth it and he was right! Glad you came by, and congrats to you as well. Really enjoyed your blog this month...
DeleteHeadbutt! Funny.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing the Challenge!
You too Alex! Voted for you on Dragon on a Mission. Waiting for installment two....
DeleteZidane was a really great footballer. I saw that match on TV too and can fully understand why he took the action he did.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on completing the A-Z Challenge. I have enjoyed reading your posts especially about the places I knew nothing about.
And I've enjoyed yours immensely. I didn't know I was a "dog" person for a long time. Now I know what that actually means and your blog was so much fun to read! I'll be visiting again soon...
DeleteAh, I remember hearing about the headbutt incident. After what you said, I can see why he did what he did. :)
ReplyDeleteYes it was interesting to see how it played out for Zidane. It could have backfired and made people dislike him, but it didn't!
DeleteI've heard lots about Zidane, from my husband who is a football fanatic!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching the A to Z finish line, Lisa!
You took us on a scenic journey through France with your beautiful pictures... thank you!
Writer In Transit
You are so welcome and thank you for coming along for the ride! Congrats to you as well!
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteZinedine Zidane. I remember that headbutt incident. A rather strange way to bow out of football. Still, look at that statue and mon dieu!
Hearty congrats on completing the alternative to the Alphabark Challenge, 2014! :)
Now, please have a rest!
Gary :)
Rest? What is that? Congrats to you too Gary, and Penny! I thought Zidane kind of brilliant to bow out in such a spectacular way, without knowing if it would backfire on him. Yeah, I had no idea about the statue until I saw the photo, now I want to see it for real! Happy day to you and Penny!
DeleteTravelling through Italy and France at World Cup time is certainly an eye opener for frenzy! I couldn't believe how every little cafe, even in tiny villages, was crammed with 'mainly' men to watch it. And the roars for the winning team. Soccer isn't that big in Oz, but it is getting more popular. We prefer our own more rugged Rugby League.
ReplyDeleteYou survived the A-Z. Well done Lisa. I hope you have many more followers and have enjoyed the experience. I enjoyed coming by reading random posts of yours.
Denise
I know, right?! Crazy! My husband played rugby in high school in France. He's a fan of rugby and soccer, but his father is a die-hard rugby fan. Thanks for coming by during the challenge. I'm gearing up for May now. Will be co-hosting on the IWSG this month and am excited about that! Then, of course, I'll be ready for writing about failure on your blog. See you soon!
DeleteAre all soccer players this good looking? Holy wow!
ReplyDeleteJamie Dement (LadyJai)
My A to Z
Caring for my Veteran re all soccer players this good looking? Holy cow! Lol