The Bull's Eye

Yesterday's match was nothing short of a tragedy for French Fans (including myself). And whoever stayed up for the match yesterday night would've been shocked by how just one mistake can scratch out ones dreams. Well, unfortunately, some mistakes can't be given a second chance.

I don't know if I can be entirely neutral in my discussion of yesterday's match. I have to say this that the referee did seem to be blind to the fouls made by the Italians. I mean, Cannavaro made so many fouls and went unnoticed, be it repeatedly kicking Ribery or injuring Zidane. And what about the deliberate physical blocking by Materazzi. Shouldn't he have been given a yellow card at least for abusing Zidane and physically blocking him? Or is it just because Zidane gave him his two piece, that Materazzi's 'foul' move went unnoticed? How is it that each time Gatusso and Cannavaro would jump, or trip and foul.. they seemed to be overlooked? And when Henry was manouvering the ball, and Gatusso tripped on his way (over the ball) and kicked Henry in the process.. Henry got the foul.


However, it goes without saying that what Zidane did (way to go zizou!) was not in his best interests. And all of his fans felt like to strangle the commentators as they decried his action.. i mean "hey! we know what he did was wrong! we're hell shocked too! "

More than wrong, it was in the 'negative' interests of France. The consequences were inevitable and Zidane had to be out with that red card. A blatant, open aggressive action of that sort simply cannot go unnoticed and he should've had that in mind! The point is.. when it comes to someone like Zidane who's standing on a critical position, with the immense responsibilities of his team and future.. he just has to keep his cool. And if only Trezeguet was Zidane, then France would've never lost that chance!

I have to say I really felt depressed yesterday. Being a fan of Zidane myself, it's so mighty depressing to see his career end that way. And moreso, to think how much pressure he was under, how many expectations he shouldered, and how he must be feeling now after reflecting what happened on the field.



It would be unfair if i didn't applaud Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon was spectacular and rightly hailed as the best Goal keeper in the world. And what was more frustrating was that Barthez just wasn't upto his mark. The penalty shoot-outs were frightning and if only Trezeguet didnt miss that goal. If only his angle was a little more parabolic it would've changed the prospects. But with T. Henry, Ribery and Zidane out of the scene, one cannot hope for much good luck.

They say greatness lies in the attitude. And there's nothing more true. Anger, Frustration and Disappointments are but tests of your endurance and the tenacity of mind. In the end, the man with self control always wins.