Could it be that Zidane’s head butt of Marco Materazzi in the 110th minute of the FIFA World Cup Final was not the act of a short-tempered super star, but rather of a French Nationalist who wanted to take one for the team? Zidane and Materazzi were definitely jawing with each other just prior to the head butt, but it didn’t seem to be spirited enough to merit Zidane trying to put his head through Materazzi’s chest. Could it be that Zidane knew that if the game went to penalty kicks that Les Bleus would not come out on top?

Let’s look at the facts.

• Zidane’s legacy will not be irreparably damaged by this. He was and still is one of the greatest players ever.
• No one expected France to get the World Cup Finals, so it was already a win for their national team
• Gianluigi Buffon (who I think should have gotten the Golden Ball) was standing on his head (can soccer goalies stand on their heads?). He only allowed 2 goals through the entire tournament; one was an own goal, and the other was Zidane’s penalty kick in the 7th minute. He was clearly the best goal keeper in the tournament.
• Zidane is notorious for not talking to the press, so of course when the team returns to France, no reporter is going to expect to interview him to get his side of it. Of course there will be investigations, and statements issued, but probably not by Zidane. He will silently take the heat for his teams failure.

By being sent off, Zidane gave his team an out, an excuse for failing on the largest sporting stage in the world. Of course, I hope that this isn’t true. But I feel like I have to at least bring it up. Is it at least possible?

UPDATE: More and more information about what sparked Zidane to head butt Marco Materazzi. From all reports it was pretty ugly between those two. I still feel that Zidane’s actions are inappropriate, but after hearing what Materazzi allegedly said I certainly don’t blame him. Of course there will be trash talking on the field of play, but when that turns to racist insults and inappropriate comments about one’s family, that must be stopped.

So it looks like my conspiracy theory is all wrong. Unfortunately the truth behind the story is much more grim than the conspiracy theory.

Thanks to Jason at kottke.org

I just got done watching the Ghana v. Czech Republic FIFA World Cup game. I haven’t watched soccer since the last World Cup. That’s my bad. It was a wonderful experience. The Czech Republic was expected to win easily but Ghana scored a goal in the second minute that changed everything. From the inital kick-off Ghana was relentlessly attacking. Obviously initially it paid off with the first goal. Throughout the first half they didn’t stop attacking and the Czech Republic was not able to match their intensity.

Now, I don’t claim to be a soccer fan, and certainly not a knowledgable fan, but watching these two teams showed me why soccer is called ‘The Beautiful Game’. Not only are the athletes in peak physical condition, the way that they are able to move, change direction, and make the ball do what they want it to is truly amazing. And even though each team is challenging the other on every loose ball, when someone is injured (or even just down on the field) it is protocol to kick the ball out of bound to stop the play so that the downed player can receive time and/or attention.

That kind of sportsmanship coupled with the sheer athleticism, and intrigue of soccer make it really attractive. I’m probably not willing to give up my baseball, or football, but perhaps I need to make time in my life for some soccer.