Apparently the vast majority of journalists voted by half time.
The final results:
Zidane 2,012
Cannavaro 1,977
Pirlo 715
My choice would have been Cannavaro even excluding Zidane's head-butt but now it looks as if FIFA has screwed something else up. The speculation is that some voters would have changed their choice if they had voted after the game.
Given that Kahn was the choice in 2002 and then he bobbled a shot to allow Ronaldo to score in the second half of the final you would have thought that they would have learned a lesson.
I agree, Bobby. However, the journalists had a choice to vote before the game ended. If they voted before the game was over, they were at risk of regretting their vote later.
I, like everyone, was disappointed in Zidane. Whatever racial taunt, if any, that Materazzi may have said does not justify Zidane's reaction. Zidane's correct reaction should have been scoring a goal to win France the World Cup.
Agreed Cannivaro should have won. Why vote before the penultimate match who was the best player over the course of the tournament? Silly.
Just another item FIFA needs to change among many. When will these guys learn?
Last edited by gongatore on July 10th at 10:07 AM.
Also, Lippi changed players and strategy at the half. Why? The ref! The bad call...which is arguably the worst in the cup.Some thought Grosso dive against Aussie was bad but at least there was contact!The offsides call too. Even means on sides! No one has a ruler there.I seen even side get goals all the time, France included! Was it against Brazil?
Lippi knew something was wrong,the ref! Toni was being dragged down by the arm many times with no calls. Liipi knew there was trouble.So go to defense. The Freanch afraid to attck in numbers so they just played with the ball at mid field because the Itals dropped back.
Intant replay would have madea more exciting game. Bad reffing taken out of the game and Italy would have continued like the first half. Only real good attempts in the whole game were Toni bar header and great defense gainsta Toni shot in the box. Zinadne header looked good but was at a distance for a header and ging Buffone time. Looked good but any world cup gaolee would have done the same.
Think Lehrman was the tourney best goalle, or the Port. one,amazing reaction time. Buffone was solid but just did not come out much and stop the offence before the shots like Lehrman did.Buffon was not really tested in any match I seen.
Bobby - I respectfully disagree. Its true that Cannavaro played very well but, Zidane was one of the few that actually made me want to say: "Wow!" His game against Brazil was stellar.
I know that, if I were to separate myself from all emotion, I would vote for Cannavaro because he played great throughout the WC. But, football and emotions go hand and hand and I tuned in to see the next generation of Peles and Maradonas and what I saw was a ton of games decided late by PKs. Zidane's 45 mins against Spain and 90 mins against Brazil reminded all of us (the ones that were interested in seeing it) what real football skill is and, just why they call it the beautiful game.
So, in summing up:
Logically = Cannavaro
As a lover of football = Zidane
Zidane was the single-most influential player of the two teams that made it to the final. Cannavaro may have had a better tournament, but Zidane influenced the outcome of all of frances games once they were past the group stages.
Regarding the Zidane incident, I do think the officials were influenced by the video replays. Domenech has said it all along, but when Lippi says it, you gotta believe it!
"You will realise that it was not Materazzi who got the attention of the referee," he added.
"It was the fourth and fifth officials looking at the video at the edge of the pitch. "
and regarding bad decisions, sure, the penalty was a bit iffy. Nevertheless, I thin malouda had a very good shout for penalty later in the first half, so that cancels it out. Materazzi, however, was involved in a lot of shirt-pulling to get the height over Vieira.
Italy went into their shell after scoring, and seem to be back to their old ways. In fact, i doubt they ever changed from their ways, so football is all the worse for it.
I dont think you can blame the refs on this one. The linesman was right in front of the action. In any case, the important calls were correct. It wouldve been great, IF Materazzi said something racially motivated, to have the ref hear it and kick him out too but, you cant blame the ref for not hearing something.
Voting for the Golden Ball before the final makes about as much sense, as ESPN asking us to vote for the man of the match in the 75th minute of regular time of every match. FIFA is very vague on the criteria for the Golden Ball award. Zidane was definately outstanding against Spain & Brazil, but Cannavaro was arguably the best player on the field in all seven of his matches. There is no question that Italy wouldn't have come close without him; he is, by far, the player in this tournament who made the biggest difference.
Another award which I find hilarious is Portugal being named the most entertaining team in the tournament, by the 'Technical Study Group'.
Bobby:
Good point yesterday on the 4-4-2 system going out the window, and the new 4-5-1. Germany was the only semi-finalist not to use the 4-5-1. With 10 midfielders battling and defenses pushing up so high, something's going to have to give. Maybe the offside rule needs to be overhauled, to open play up.
Chelseafan-
According to BBC, who hired a lip reader, he said something to the effect "I hope your family die ugly deaths"... Apparently that is a *MAJOR* insult in Italy... Nothing racist though.
Gents-
Who really cares what M said to ZZ. ZZ should have shrugged it off and beat M on the dribble and scored or passed off to score. That's what truly great champions do they shrug off tactics, gamesmanship, dirty play and trashtalking then teach you a lesson in how to win.
For those of you who think M deserved that assault, it's obvious you have never plaid organized sports before at a high level. You just don't do what ZZ did. There's no excuse for it. End of story.
I am huge ZZ fan but this kind of behavior has haunted him his entire career.
FYI Fifa just relaeased a statement saying a video replay had nothhing to do with Elizondo issuing the card.
Face it ZZ deserved to be sent off, he let his teammates, fans and country men down.
France could have won the Cup.
gongastore = The linesman was right in front of the play. Buffon went to yell at him and the linesman gestures as to say "calm down." Not to longer after, Elizondo talked to the linesman and then issued the red. There is nothing to criticize about the officiating.
The only reason I think it matters what M said is because, if it was racial, he should be suspended.
Voting for the Golden Ball closed at midnight after the WC final. The FIFA isn’t at fault, the early voters are. The FIFA might consider starting the voting process at the conclusion of the finals and ending 24 hours later. However, how many journalists would be sober enough to follow the procedure. LOL. Better, make it 48 hours later.
I Know that ZZ deserved to win the golden ball, sure he didn't do so well in the group stages but as time went on he showed his experience and class. Something I will always remember him for. It's unfortunate that he ended his career the way he did but I don't blame him, that other guy clearly said something so foul that ZZ could not let it go.
Once again ur blog shows u up to be the ill informed goof ball yank u really are. Ur writings are devoid of any real understanding of the beautiful game and ur level of analysis is akin to a trailer trash ####kwit commenting upon Einstein's Folgerungen aus den Capillaritätserscheinungen paper.
As a 23 yr old life long football fan i despise johnny-come-lately commentators such as urselves daring to crtique great players such as Zizou - who has more heroic traits in his left gonad that you have in ur flaccid, puffy and bloated carcass.
It must be really easy for a sports 'journalist' to comment on a world game in which his country is pathetically inadequate and uninterested in. Your comments mirror the apathetic nature to which your country holds the beautiful game; and as such you can never possible appreciate the passion/obsession that this game inspires in the rest of us. Ur scribblings are useless.
In short - leave comments regarding great heroes like Cannavaro and Zizou to those who have real passion for the game.
P.S. Ur constant critisms of FIFA belie the fact that the USA were completely pathetic and inapt; you ignore the good work that FIFA have done in developing the sport in poor developing countries and increasing the voting franschise to include all representative groups. I guess its easy to throw stones....espesially if you live in USA.
What are you on about, rikii? That post makes no sense at all. Changing gears:
"It wasnt racial, and even if it was, Matzerati should not be suspended. Lots of stuff gets said on the football field at all levels..."
I'm sorry, but this comment is absurd. FIFA's entire anti-racism campaign should just be wiped away and forgotten about and fans should be able to yell and chant whatever racist abuse comes to mind if players are permitted to make racist statements.
I have no idea whether Materazzi actually did make a racist comment and I believe Zidane should have held his composure no matter what was said, but my point is that I think it's absurd to condone racist remarks by Materazzi if they were in fact made. Just because Zidane lost his cool doesn't mean that Materazzi gets a free pass if he did make racist comments.
You can love Zidane and not be an apologist for his actions. There is/was no excuse for his violent foul. Frankly, I don't care if Sepp Blatter called the referee personally to make the call against Zidane, the bottom line is that officials got it right, and if it had been missed the outcry would be even larger than the current dicussions regarding Zidane's absurd choice of how to end his career. One thing Zidane can do to soften the blow is immediately apologize to his teammates, France, and the World. Note that DeRossi came out the day after bashing McBride and apologized calling himself a "*ickhead" in the process. We don't need the gory details of what was said between Zidane and Materazzi, but a simple apology from Zidane would be the smart thing to do, and the only thing that will soften the blow. Surely he has agents, and PR people who lend him advice. There are probably future endorsment deals, etc. which hang in the balance, not to mention the first step towards correcting his tarnished image. We all know from politicians worldwide who continously make the mistake of avoidance and obfuscation when issues arise. Usually, a simple apology made post-haste helps to mollify public sentiment. Zidane should take note, and do the one simple thing that can at least demonstrate that he understands his mistake.
Bobby,
I for once disagree with you, clearly Zidane was the best performer of this year WC, followed by Pirlo. Against France, Cannavaro (the best defender in Germaby in my opinion) was more of the bruiser kind than the skilly smooth defender with an incredibly recovery speed. He was beaten a few times and was saved by Buffon (the great-one).
In all of the noise, I think FIFA and the media has lost sight of the anti-racism message displayed during these finals. I will bet my house that Materasi used a disgraceful language toward the race/people of Zidane type, terrorist arabs.
I regret Zidane reaction as it does not lend any favor to his people/race, but I can not say in that moment that I ould have taken the higher road either.
I'm just glad that the ref sent Zizou off. Otherwise Materazzi would've broken his legs at the next opportunity. Either way Zidane wasn't going to be available for the rest of the match. Hopefully Zidane's suspension won't be more than one game, so he can delay his retirement by 8 weeks and play Italy again in the Euro qualifier in Paris for a proper farewell.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on July 10th at 12:55 PM.
rickii,
why don't you tell bobby how you really feel. wow.
Unfortunately, Cannavaro doesn't display the glam that ZZ does because he is a defender. He works in the trenches and bails Italy out time after time. He doesn't get to kick PKs or set pieces, so his name isn't always called, and for this, Cannavaro was robbed the golden ball. He had a better tournament from start to finish. Zidane didn't even play in a game b/c of yellows.
As far as the head butt goes, its not like this is the first time we've seen something like this from ZZ. And how do we know that ZZ didn't say something to MM first. Why would MM just say that out of the blue? Zidane was also talking to MM, lets not forget that.
hahaha. I can assure you that's not a standard Italian insult or *MAJOR*. "I hope your family die ugly deaths???". Maybe Materazzi made it up himself, but I never heard it.
Today I heard so much lip reading ####. First, he said "terrorist", then he insulted his sister, now about his family...
Please. Stop speculating. Zidane should say his version in a couple of days as French media report. Whatever Materazzi (which btw is an ####) said Zidane made a huge mistake with the head butt. Very often players exchange pretty heavy words. At this point Zidane's word against Materazzi's. FIFA can't do anything about it.
I would just like to say one thing.... when I cried foul to the penalty awarded to Italy for an obvious flop in the box... Italians on this site cried foul no end.. were shocked that i could suggest such a thing. Then when Cannivaro doesnt win the golden boot when it was fairly obvious he was one of the stand outs of the tournament the cries of foul play are everywhere and god forbid that anyone should recommend that Materazzi should be banned for matches or for life. If what people are saying is true the coward should be forced out of the game for good. No 4 match ban or anything like that. If FIFA is honestly trying to erradicate racial slurs or anything of that nature from the game then he should be banned for life fullstop. It is ugly and cowardise to say the least and anyone including Italians themselves should admit as much
Mas_1:
I think what they're referring to is "mort'a ci tuoi"
I can't see how that would offend Zizou in the slightest because it is so commonly used in Italy, unfortunately.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on July 10th at 1:03 PM.
Rikki,
Youre an ####... Not that Bobby needs protecting, but I think you are way out of line.
If you knew anything about Bobby, you'd know he's Scottish - born and bred, not 1/3 scots or anything like that, pure.
He's been a football fan since the early sixties, supporting Dundee from the terraces since then, so you are wrong on all counts you bring up. Bobby knows more about the game than anyone I've ever had the pleasure to listen to.
Life long fan of 23 years of age??? WOW!!! You must know EVERYTHING...
If you know anything about football you'll know all about FIFA and their continual meddling in an effort to make more money for themselves. Blatter is an ####, and had no football background whatsoever before he bribed his way to the top of FIFA, he's Swiss for godsake. He's continually tries to goof with the game, and has been an abject failure.
Last edited by ibroxloyal1 on July 10th at 1:21 PM.
GHL,
I agree that I would be extremely dissapointed if it was a racial statement, but what I was trying to get across was that in the heat of the moment things can be said. If you start sending players off for words, the game would be completely ruined.
Reports out of England are stating that Rooney is going to try this defense too. He now claims that he did intentionally stomp on Carvalho's #%@&, in retaliation for some for some insensitive jibes which hurt Rooney's feelings. Rooney's suspension is expected to be rescinded and Carvalho can expect a lengthy ban.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on July 10th at 1:25 PM.
Like previous posters have said: Stop the speculation ! Lip readers, psychics, prognosticators, pundits, puftas aside...a lot of things are said on the football field. Goading and talking smack goes on at some point in just about every competitive team sport. By the time a player reaches the WC final, he has heard it all, and should know better. Coaches and players alike have targeted hotheads for time and memoriam. It may not be good sportsmanship, but it may be good gamesmanship. Perhaps Materazzi is a racist dunderhead, but perhaps Zidane said something to him first. The bottom line, best case scenario is that it will be one players word against the other. Zidane is the one who lost control, and frankly I don't care if the third,fouth official, or Sepp Blatter made the call from the big screen. To think Materazzi is going to be suspended for anything is a joke...on what evidence? Zidane's word ? Get real. If Materazzi made a racist slur, he is going to have to live with it. If he made some ugly comments about Zidane's family, for example, then he sucessfully goaded Zidane into a disgraceful violent foul, thereby reducing France's chance to win the WC. That's gamesmanship. In ANY case, Zidane was wrong, and apologists are in the distinct minoriy worldwide.
ibroxloyal1, ur r an #### ... Blatter played football in the Swiss Leagues -- thus has a football bkgd; however did not not know that Bobby was a jock .. still his musings are about as informed and passionate as haggis.
When I said he had no footballing background, I meant at the management level.
He came in through tainted balloting as general secretary after working at the Olympic games in 1975... Oh, wait, you wouldnt know that, because it was before you were born!!! LOL!!!
I could have played in the swiss league. And that is not a joke.
Nah, I'm not an ####, Like Bobby I grew up in Scotland and have seen more matches live, in person, than you can possibly imagine (at least 800)...
Rickii:
so far you've told us that Zizou and Cannavaro are great players, and that Blatter used to play football. The rest of it has been completely unnecessary, malicious and incorrect.
I understand what you're saying now. I'm not calling for Materazzi to be suspended and I agree that it's unrealistic to suspend players for words, but I guess it'd just be a pretty big disappointment to me if he did in fact direct a racist comment at Zidane, particularly in light of the significant efforts football has been taking to try to eliminate racism in the stands.
Hmmmm...so the extent of my football authoritas is directly proportional to the length of my footballing experience w.r.t games watched!!! interesting premise. I guess the fact that following Hertha BSC for 17yrs and experiencing the whole gammett of human emotion means nought in ur eyes.
GHL,
Totally agree mate.
I remember when Mark Walters was the first black player for Glasgow Rangers, and opposing fans would throw bananas at him... Absolutely #### disgraceful, I was horrified that fellow Scots should behave that badly. I hate racisim with a passion.
I agree if players are found to have made racial statements they and the club should be fined, but the problem is policing it. Same for fans. Racial chanting from the stands (such as we saw in the Spain/England game and E'to for Barca) should be punished by closing those sections of the grounds for a minimum of three games.
Rickii,
Not when you make broad statements, and indeed personal statements, against someone who has a different perspective. A very good perspective.
Your points are lost amid what seems to be a bitter personal vendetta you seem to have against McMahon. Simply because he has a different perspective than yourself.
Last edited by ibroxloyal1 on July 10th at 2:07 PM.
Why not challenge Mr. Mcmahon to a duel? You sound like a man I know called Bitter Bob that has had a little to much to drink or has some serious anger management issues or to be honest, both.
I think the FSC website people are calling your parents now to revoke your right to log on.
Oh, and it looks like you will be grounded for 2 weeks.
don't start with generalization, that seems one of your characteristic, when you make comments. I see it this way: Materazzi is an #### and if there was a way to find out what he really said, FIFA should punish him (if the words are really offensive or somehow racial)... I don't agree about the life suspension though, because players exchange words in every game. No matter what Materazzi said, Zidane was wrong, even if he was provoked.
It seems that many people are paying attention to Materazzi's word, trying to make Zidane look like a victim, almost justifying his behavior. Let's not confuse the brilliant player Zidane with the one that had similar behaviors during his career. The same people are roasting Materazzi for his past and present behavior, then the same should be done for Zidane.
I don't care if he is a brilliant player. If he makes a mistake he pays for it. Like everyone else. Totti at Euro 2004 was banned for spitting on a player. De Rossi, got banned for 4 matches for elbowing. So, really stop being pathetic and admit that Zidane was way off.
Golden ball. I think voting for a player before a final is BS and ####. A final is a very important match and especially when they knew that the 2 most contenders were in it (cannavaro and zidane) they should waited until after the game. I think Zidane got it because of his career. It has played well but not a Cannavaro's standard. The latter has played impeccably since the first match for every game...
...
I don't like Materazzi personally, but like someone said, how do we know that Zidane didn't start it??!! or who know what happened. I read comments that Materazzi actually deserved it...then do not complain if there is violence in football. Those are behaviors to avoid.
Ohhh..anyway we are just guessing right?? or actually someone here talked to Zidane or Materazzi??!!
Well said. "Aussie" is presumably really an Australian or a supporter (good on ya, mate i used to live there) and has been ranting on this site every since Australia was knocked out of the Cup. His incessant whinging really is nauseating.
So it's no big shock that he wants to attack the fouled "Italian player", M and deify the
perpetrator, ZZ.
Anyone that has seen Materazzi play knows he's a trash talking, dirty player but is a damn good defender and clearly can head the ball and take a crack penalty. Still nobody deserves to be hit like that in the pinnacle of World soccer or a weekend amateur league pickup match.
It's also obvious "Aussie" has never played soccer at a high level.
Yeah, take that, and I got a jock strap that is older than Bobby's socks. I would let you borrow it, but it seeing it dangle around your knees would make me giggle. Emotional opinions are OK, personal attacks on those with differing opinions are childish. Ignore the Troll.
pj26,
All I can see in those two videos is a tough defensive player. Yeah, fouls, definately, but nothing more you can find from any other agressive defender in any other team. Doesnt prove anything.
You are missing the point. You don't attack a player.
You beat him on the dribble, score or layoff a ball to your teammate to score. That's the mark of a true champion.
This was the WC Final not some saturday afternoon kickabout with the lads from a rival pub.
Have you ever played soccer and do you really understand the sport?
ZZ let himself and his teammates down.
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