Soccer

I have always enjoyed the game, but at one moment I knew that I would love this game for the rest of my life. The 2006 World Cup was when I knew I would love this game for the rest of my life. Watching the best players showing the world just how good they are is a recipe for an entertaining tournament. With many world class players competing one player showed why he was the best, his name was Zinedine Zidane.

 

Zinedine Zidane was set to retire after the World Cup, so he wanted to go out on top. In the group stage of the competition France weren't great. They were held to draws in their first two games, but beat Togo to advance to the knockout round. The knockout round was where Zidane really showed his class helping France get past underachievers Spain in the round of 16, scoring and assisting in a 3-1 win for the French. The next game against reigning champions Brazil would not be easy for France, but Zidane made a star studded Brazilian team look average at best. Gliding through the Brazilian team with ease and with pinpoint passes finding teammates in space Zidane put on Man of the Match performance against Brazil assisting in a exciting 1-0 win, leading France into the semi-finals of the World Cup against Portugal. The game wasn't the most entertaining, but France got the job done winning 1-0 with Zidane scoring a penalty setting up the World Cup Final with Italy. There was early drama in the match with France getting a penalty. Zidane stepped up for the penalty and he scored. Italy replied with a goal from a corner and the game headed into extra time. There was more controversy involving an off the ball situation between Zidane and Italian defender Marco Materazzi. Materazzi said somethings to Zidane involving his sister as well as his his mother. Zidane responded by headbutting Materazzi. It resulted in Zidane getting a red card and being sent off, and France ended up losing on penalties.Watching Zidane's career end the way it did was heartbreaking for me. This man was the reason for me becoming more interested in the game, and I wanted to see him lift the trophy. After the 2006 World Cup I didn't really watch much soccer except for major tournaments. But, eventually I found a team to support and now all I really watch on TV is soccer.