With ‘Elegant’ Headbutt, Zidane Becomes Soccer’s Greatest Headcase

From Sunday’s New York Times:

With a victory, France would secure its second World Cup title in eight years and [Zinédine] Zidane would cement his position as perhaps soccer’s greatest player of the last 20 years. He is a modest man who summons an elegant flamboyance on the field.

From nytimes.com late Sunday afternoon:

What could have been a glorious coronation of the soccer career of Zinédine Zidane of France became a shameful departure on Sunday when he was ejected from the World Cup final for committing an astonishing act of unsportsmanlike behavior.

Italy won its fourth World Cup title, 5-3 on a penalty-kick shootout, after the score remained 1-1 through overtime. But the match is certain to be remembered for the insolence of Zidane, the captain of the French national team; he head-butted the Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest after the two exchanged words in the 109th minute.

By the way, the Times also reports Zidane may join New York’s product placement otherwise known as a Major League Soccer team, the Red Bulls.

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