View Full Version : Golden Ball
Milan_Mad
06-07-2006, 17:50
The shortlist has been drawn up by the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) and, with only players who reached the last four considered eligible for selection, representatives of the media will now pick from a field comprising three Frenchmen, two Germans, four Italians and a solitary Portuguese.
Ballack, Klose
Gigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo and Gianluca Zambrotta
Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira
Maniche
Cannavaro and Klose have been the stand out players for me at the world cup so i would like one of the two to win it, your thoughts who will pick it up Kahn did last time :bri:
IMO klose should get the golden ball ..
anyway he deserve it:) great games and scored 5 goles ..
NestaIsKing
06-07-2006, 19:56
I like Gigi For the Golden Ball. if not, then Canna, I'd have Klose 3rd
To me, no one has been more relevant to Italy's success than Cannavaro...
have you guys realized how many different scorers Italy has had?
Pirlo
Gilardino
Iaquinta
Inzaghi
Totti
Toni
Zambrotta
Grosso
Materazzi
Definitely Cannavaro. Pirlo has to be considered too. One goal, two assists and he has been instrumental to Italy's success. Without him, I'm not sure Italy is in the final.
If Pirlo gives 2 or 3 beautiful assists (or goals) in the final, then he has the edge over Cannavaro as he is an offensive player. Otherwise, it would be Cannavaro who has been instrumental throughout the whole tournament, if Italy wins; Zidane could also win if France wins, also because he missed out 8 years ago.
kenny_shev
06-07-2006, 21:24
I would go for Cannavaro. He has been a rock at the back and probably the most outstanding player for Italy.
I think Cannavaro definitly is the best defender at this world cup but if Pirlo will score in the final he will take Golden Ball
If not than Klose
germans have to win something!!!
King tiger
07-07-2006, 03:55
I thin Canna or Pirlo, if not then ZIdane just beacuse he ends his career.
Milan_Mad
07-07-2006, 11:56
I think Cannavaro definitly is the best defender at this world cup but if Pirlo will score in the final he will take Golden Ball
If not than Klose
germans have to win something!!!Klose could win the golden shoe
Pirlo or cannavaro for me. buffon have little chances to show off his skills because of gatusso and cannavaro.
NestaIsKing
07-07-2006, 18:44
I thin Canna or Pirlo, if not then ZIdane just beacuse he ends his career.
I really HOPE, Zidane doesn't get preferential treatment just because its his last World Cup. The award should not go to the oldest player, but to the best player who is most important to his team. I do think Zidane has played very well, especially the last couple games, but not enough to give him the award.
Pirlo or cannavaro for me. buffon have little chances to show off his skills because of gatusso and cannavaro.
Gigi has been tested many times. Especially againt Germany, he was outstanding.
Kev Ryan
07-07-2006, 20:33
Cannavaro or Pirlo for me.
rahul.acm
08-07-2006, 01:16
IMO... there are only 4 realistic contenders. (In order of performances)
-->Zidane (A lot of emphasis will be placed upon hs heroics in the past)
-->Cannavaro (A perfect example of how a player should perform and behave, on and off the pitch when his country is drenched in one of the greatest footballing scandals)
-->Viera (Played a very important role in the French team mainly by stealing balls and in getting the lucky break)
-->Pirlo (For dead ball situations and the defensive playmaking role)
Why should the Golden ball to go Klose? Golden Foot is stricly given to the highest scorer, so he will get it and more importantly he didn't have jaw-dropping relentless performances that have saved on a lot of occasions
i will give my opinion once the final is over
i will give my opinion once the final is over well maybe all dependts in this game .. the golden ball is going in one of players of these two national teams IMO if not then Klose !
sheva-gila
10-07-2006, 05:56
Zidane wins Golden Ball
its on www.channel4.com
aslo on http://worldcup.goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=91179
Arildonardo
10-07-2006, 08:01
Not exactly a good call for Fair Play... Most people voting had voted after the first half of the final.
I'd say Andrea Pirlo, but it wasn't to be.
Zidane wins, ridiculous ! Everyone that knows a bit about football should say that Pirlo or Cannavaro deserved it. Btw, it's hilarious that you can vote even BEFORE the final. The final is the most important thing of the tournament, you have to wait after the final to vote. Zidane that wins this trophy, what an example for the children ...
Zidane wins, ridiculous ! Everyone that knows a bit about football should say that Pirlo or Cannavaro deserved it. Zidane that wins this trophy, what an example for the children ...
WTF???? This makes the whole thing a giant JOKE! This is sickening and disgusting. We should all write in to FIFA and protest.
cannavaro deserve it ! :( .. Zidane games where great but with that thing yesturday i thought that his chances to win golden ball were 0% ..
Absolutely ridiciulous!! That bastard deserves to be called - the Fool of the Tournament.
Canna was the best player. No doubt!
I say MALDINI. I know! I know! Even if he wasnt a part of it, but still....
I say MALDINI. I know! I know! Even if he wasnt a part of it, but still....
:haha::haha: it would be great
This makes me sick! While FIFA could never have imagined what Zidane did....half a brain is required to realize that you need to disqualify someone who charges into an opponent head-first from the voting. I guess no one had the BALLS to do this for fear of offending the French or some bull$hit like that.
Fabio Cannvaro deserved the Golden Ball and my only consolation is that ZZ can see the image of Canna lifting the WC flash before his eyes for the rest of his life! I'm very very upset right now!
The merits of the Golden Ball have gone the way of the Nobel Peace Prize.
NestaIsKing
10-07-2006, 12:57
I Hope that Rhino named Zidane lives with the guilt the rest of his life. And I hope the French team ripped him apart in the locker room, despite having said good things about him afterwards. I still can't believe he got the award, when there could have been 4 Italia players more deserving then him. What a crock
Only 35 votes separated Canna from the prize.
He's the only one that really deserved it ! Pirlo was also one level above Zidane.
Zidane is and will be my favourite player, but one great match against Brazil is uncomparable with the 7 fantastic matches of Cannavaro and Pirlo !
Typical Fifa. And they say Italy's system is corrupt. I'm not surprised by this injustice. You just have to look at the world player of the year awards over the years.
i agree, i think canna or pirlo deserve it, but dont blame zidane, its not his fault fifa are shmucks
No matter what Zidane sis he was still the best player in the tournament!! I would have loved to see Pirlo get it, but come on Zidane is a class above, headbutt or no head butt.
Absolutely ridiciulous!! That bastard deserves to be called - the Fool of the Tournament.
I don't know how would you react if someono is walking behind you and provocating you all the time, I know that you'l say: "But he is professional and he should stay calm" but put yourself in his posion...
I don't approve Zizus reaction, it wasn't good, but that was his last game, and also finnals of World cup, can you imagine how hard were that words that materazzi said to him..
Calling him a bastard is just plain nasty :stupid:
Calling him a bastard is just plain nasty :stupid:
It was bigger than just "bastard", I read that Materazzi said to Zizu that he is Muslim terrorist, or something like that.... :5dito:
Oh Im sure it was worse, infact he was supposed to have sworn at his ill mother, but I was actually pointing out that there is no need for MM members to call Zidane names like that.
I posted this elsewhere, but its equally valid in this thread:
:rr30:
I smell hypocrites!!!!!!
http://www.milanmania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18179&page=1&pp=15&highlight=headbutt
Can all the people on their high horses, b!tching about Zidane so passionately please tell me where in this linked thread they b!tched about their own hero Shevchenko. Some members even revelled in Sheva's actions (Either hate the actions of both or love both, but dont have double standards).
:cpuke:
I repeat, I smell hypocrites!!!!!! :ilol:
Forza Zidane- A true legend!!! :nana:
Forza Italia- World Champs!!! :rr30:
No matter what Zidane sis he was still the best player in the tournament!! I would have loved to see Pirlo get it, but come on Zidane is a class above, headbutt or no head butt.
Zidane had one great game, and that was against Brazil. If you're saying he was the best player in the WC based on his entire career, yes, I agree. However, this award was only for the tournament and I don't think he was the best player in the WC. I think several players had a better overall WC, starting with Cannavaro. And, quite frankly, the headbut was enough to negate that one great game, IMO. Although, I agree that it was a mistake and it shouldn't cloud an otherwise outstanding career. Materazzi is a master at provocation. History should and will reflect fondly on Zidane's career.
It was bigger than just "bastard", I read that Materazzi said to Zizu that he is Muslim terrorist, or something like that.... :5dito:
i heard about this too .. and i just posted in another place that i will completly understand Zidanes attack in materazzi !!
that is the badly thing and poorly thing that could sad any player in world to a muslim football player ..
i still don't know if this is true .. but im sure we will know that in past days
Zidane had one great game, and that was against Brazil. If you're saying he was the best player in the WC based on his entire career, yes, I agree. However, this award was only for the tournament and I don't think he was the best player in the WC. I think several players had a better overall WC, starting with Cannavaro. And, quite frankly, the headbut was enough to negate that one great game, IMO. Although, I agree that it was a mistake and it shouldn't cloud an otherwise outstanding career. Materazzi is a master at provocation. History should and will reflect fondly on Zidane's career.
This the best explanation I've read about this so far.
sf esq I have to respectfully disagree. He woke up against Spain where he orchastrated another win, he was awesome against Brazil, good in the semi and superb in the final. The way he played in these games outshadowed most other players performances. You may have a point about Cannavaro, but in a world cup where most of the stars were poor Zidane was the shining star. If Kaka played half as well as Zidane we would have been singing his praises.
Having said all that it was between him and Canna for me, but we all know defenders dont usually win these things.
. Materazzi is a master at provocation.
Of course he isn't :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpG4AHlZrL4&search=Materazzi
sf esq I have to respectfully disagree. He woke up against Spain where he orchastrated another win, he was awesome against Brazil, good in the semi and superb in the final. The way he played in these games outshadowed most other players performances. You may have a point about Cannavaro, but in a world cup where most of the stars were poor Zidane was the shining star. If Kaka played half as well as Zidane we would have been singing his praises.
Having said all that it was between him and Canna for me, but we all know defenders dont usually win these things.
Sant, thanks for the kind words. K77SH C, I respect your opinion. I agree that defenders generally don't win these awards (otherwise, Maldini would have won a few), however, Oliver Kahn won it, and isn't a goalkeeper considered a defender? I have to wonder though, would Zidane have won if it wasn't his last time playing football? I think sympathy played a large role, and to me, this shouldn't be a factor. I can see how he would be named to the all world cup team, but not as it's best player. Just my opinion, but obviously Fifa voters saw it like you did.
zlatanov
11-07-2006, 10:17
Of course he isn't :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpG4AHlZrL4&search=Materazzi
Matrix for Pope :clap: :clap: :clap:
I am sure he won't get away clean form that incident 'cause FIFA has opened an investigation and Italian media are gonna provide the video evidence so that the truth surfaces now too and not just in Frings' case :bri:
Matrix for Pope :clap: :clap: :clap:
:After watching the video, i'm sure Zlatan and Shevchenko won't mind that. He was very gentle with them :)
I don't know how would you react if someono is walking behind you and provocating you all the time, I know that you'l say: "But he is professional and he should stay calm" but put yourself in his posion...I will tell the "truth" about him and ask if he wants to meet later to deal everything one on one. Notification to ref would be one of probable actions I will take if he keeps on doing that. Football stadium is not a ring of bullfighting. ;)
I will tell the "truth" about him and ask if he wants to meet later to deal everything one on one. Notification to ref would be one of probable actions I will take if he keeps on doing that. Football stadium is not a ring of bullfighting. ;)
Yeah right
Sant, thanks for the kind words. K77SH C, I respect your opinion. I agree that defenders generally don't win these awards (otherwise, Maldini would have won a few), however, Oliver Kahn won it, and isn't a goalkeeper considered a defender? I have to wonder though, would Zidane have won if it wasn't his last time playing football? I think sympathy played a large role, and to me, this shouldn't be a factor. I can see how he would be named to the all world cup team, but not as it's best player. Just my opinion, but obviously Fifa voters saw it like you did.
I do agree defenders do deserve more recognition, but I wouldnt say sympathy swayed my opionion. Zidane is just one of those players that makes you drool everytime he touches the ball. Hes got the wow factor and hes one of the few people that made me say wow in this world cup. Personally I wanted Pirlo to outshine him in the final, but Im sure we can both agree Zidane is the Man regardless of any award. Anyway, we will have to agree to disagree on this one. :u125:
rahul.acm
11-07-2006, 14:55
Ahh not sure if you guys know or it has been told earlier in this thread that the voting was over before the final so the head butting incident didn't get any consideration. Also Zizou has such a big legacy behind him that the incident never made the officials think twice over who should have been the rightfull player to receive the GB.
Anyway Forza Italia, Forza Zizou.
No matter what Zidane sis he was still the best player in the tournament!! I would have loved to see Pirlo get it, but come on Zidane is a class above, headbutt or no head butt.
Unfortunately, getting the Golden Ball award when he headbutted someone is encouraging (adverdently or inadverdently) players to be 'violent'. It's excusable to do so, which is not true of course.
Sad. Absolutely undeserved even if he has been the best players on the field. IF you lack discipline, how can you win the golden ball?
FANTA SHEVA
11-07-2006, 18:45
but Jeff take this in to consideration tht Materazzi said comments which no matter who would have been in Zidanes boots would have beaten the **** out of him !!!
According to the BBC, Materazzi is alleged to have said: “I wish an ugly death to you and all your family. Go **** yourself.”
The Sun newspapers believes Materazzi’s insult was aimed at Zidane’s mother Milika, who is suffering with illness.
Their Italian lip-reader believes that the stopper called the No 10 a “son of a terrorist whore” before he was sent crashing to the ground by Zidane’s attack.
However, Materazzi’s agent has defended his client and insisted Zizou reacted to a jibe about the possibility of swapping shirts at the end of the game. “I’d rather take the shirt off your wife,” it’s claimed he stated.
just cehck out these links and u'll realise wat kind of a player Materazzi is !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HblsV-urHg&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKGcUr0S-FU
but Jeff take this in to consideration tht Materazzi said comments which no matter who would have been in Zidanes boots would have beaten the **** out of him !!!
According to the BBC, Materazzi is alleged to have said: “I wish an ugly death to you and all your family. Go **** yourself.”
The Sun newspapers believes Materazzi’s insult was aimed at Zidane’s mother Milika, who is suffering with illness.
Their Italian lip-reader believes that the stopper called the No 10 a “son of a terrorist whore” before he was sent crashing to the ground by Zidane’s attack.
However, Materazzi’s agent has defended his client and insisted Zizou reacted to a jibe about the possibility of swapping shirts at the end of the game. “I’d rather take the shirt off your wife,” it’s claimed he stated.
just cehck out these links and u'll realise wat kind of a player Materazzi is !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HblsV-urHg&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKGcUr0S-FU
I understand what you are saying, and I have been kept updated about the incident. The problem here is that verbal assault is very common on the field; Sheva has been shoved by Kahn; Van Nistroloy (sorry about spelling) has been shouted in the face etc etc etc; but none of these players have retaliated.
And, given that Zidane has done this before, has committed the error before, and should have learnt from before, I don't see how Materazzi's words can irate him the way he reacted. I'm not defending Materazzi, but it's a matter of sport conduct on the field. Using headbutt method is more than just shoving him or pushing him in the chest (which at most earns him a yellow card). IT's intentional, whether or not it sounds rash and whether or not the rationale is justified.
I'm disappointed.
Zidane told in French TV, that Materrazzi used tough words against his sister and mother and did not named him as a terrorist.
source from today:
http://www.eurosport.com/football/worldcup/2006/sport_sto924820.shtml
Interesting fact is, that Materrazzi earlier denied, that he insulted Zidanes mother.
source: 11.07.2006
http://www.eurosport.com/football/worldcup/2006/sport_sto923758.shtml
Materrazzi: ""It was the type of insults that we've heard before so many times on the pitch, and sometimes we don't even notice it."
Personally I do believe Zidanes version. I do not believe, that Zidane lost his mind only because of an insult, which is heard often on the pitch as Materrazzi told.
My roomie noted something interesting this morning. In every report about the incident that she's seen on TV lately, the cause as reported by Zindane keeps changing. I'm not trying to say Matarazzi was right but ZZ could at least get the story straight.....
Zidane May Lose Best Player Award
The Associated Press
Wednesday, July 12, 2006; 9:03 AM
MILAN, Italy -- FIFA president Sepp Blatter says Zinedine Zidane could be stripped of his Golden Ball award for the best player at the World Cup due to violent conduct.
"The winner of the award is not decided by FIFA, but by an international commission of journalists," Blatter said in Wednesday's La Repubblica. "That said, FIFA's executive committee has the right, and the duty, to intervene when faced with behavior contrary to the ethic of the sport."
Zidane head-butted Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest after the two exchanged words on the field in extra time of Sunday's World Cup final. He was sent off and Italy won its fourth title on penalties.
FIFA's disciplinary committee opened an inquiry Tuesday into the behavior of Zidane and Materazzi
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/12/AR2006071200536.html
I like the set of arguments people have brought up. I have a position and it is this. Where and what is the state of sportsmanship? Though I cannot and will not defend the actions of Zidane, this doesnt mean we should excuse in any way the comments of Materrazzi. Headbutting is a no no for obvious reasons. Why then are some of you condoning the smack talk? I mean the... "well it happens all the time in a game" sort of crap. I'll look at it this way... I cannot imagine that our captain Paolo Maldini would be saying to opponents "your momma be a c*nt!" and other nonsense. And I measure peoples action based from the very top standard and not from the weakest link. So if our Maldini doesnt do this sort of thing that is where the line stops. I will accept no less standard of behavior from any player at any time under any circumstances from all physical and verbal forms of unsportsman like conduct. I cant believe anyone even rationalizing this stupid affair. To me Materrazzi is as guilty as Zidane. Takes two to dance!
I got this from XT :haha:
http://yonkis.com/imagenes01/zidane_salvador.gif
http://xpire.trashpile.net/upload/19005024357.gif
http://xpire.trashpile.net/upload/zidanesf9fee.gif
http://imagesocket.com/images/zidane29b.gif
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9225/fatalityzadine0jz.gif
Some more:
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3286/zidanegif26yf.gif
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/Stipey/cannonball.gif
http://img.terra.com.br/i/2006/07/10/369638-2672-ga.gif
http://img.terra.com.br/i/2006/07/10/369640-9741-ga.gif
http://img.terra.com.br/i/2006/07/10/369643-2341-ga.gif
http://img.terra.com.br/i/2006/07/10/369646-3668-ga.gif
http://img.terra.com.br/i/2006/07/10/369644-8289-ga.gif
http://www.lexpansion.com/binData/6/zizou_choco.gif
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/Caldog/Crouch.gif
http://www.imagesocket.com/images/zidane_ff_headbuttc26.gif
http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06282/389c6f540be24b78e27acc51f1da295a.gif
http://videodownloader.net/blog/pics/zidane/zidane34.gif
http://videodownloader.net/blog/pics/zidane/zidane38.gif
http://content.ytmnd.com/content/b/d/d/bddb6668e017a47bf226c00bdd81a17a.gif
I will tell the "truth" about him and ask if he wants to meet later to deal everything one on one. Notification to ref would be one of probable actions I will take if he keeps on doing that. Football stadium is not a ring of bullfighting. ;)
I agree with you mate, but I can be sure that if you were on his position you would react like Zidane.
Both of them Zidane and Materatti are guilty, but I'm on Zizu's side because Materazzi started with offencess to Zizu's family and I think that everyone would react like Zizu did...
rahul.acm
13-07-2006, 14:12
Play the video game --> http://www.dotball.net/
It's Zizou vs Matrix.
I'm not saying Mata is innocent, not in the least. What we don't know is what actually occurred between the 2 of them. I'm sure there was some trash talk, and I'm also sure it wasn't one-sided, ie only from Mata. So it could have been trash talk from Mata that set ZZ off, or it could have been the frustration of being closely marked the entire game, do we really know? And yes, it obviously does take two to tango. What replays in my mind is that Mata was done speaking and was moving away, and we all thought ZZ was as well...no one's lips were moving...and then the headbutt. That's what I saw along with a very snotty, smug look from ZZ when he felt he was going to get away with such an action. Lasting impressions stick with me. As for Mata, he does need to keep his big mouth shut, as there are obviously other ways to defend and mark your man!! I don't condone the trash talk any more than I can condone a great player losing his cool and headbutting an opponent.
And what I was referring to with Maldini WAS NOT that he trash talks...but I recal one of the derby games when he was on Vieri so close every second that near the end of the game Vieri turned on him and appeared almost to scream in frustration.....
Vadim, on the AM news today my roomie saw a report about some game in France, where you have ZZ headbutting all these opponents and objects, apparently for points.
Im still waiting for all the people so critical of Zidane to explain why they seemed to brush Sheva headbutt under the carpet.
As for Maldini, he is a class act who defends by defending. Matta as you call him defends by intimidating and at times violently attacking opponents. any comparison is obsurd. Just ask Sheva or Inzaghi who have suffered his abuse.
Oh and earlier on I read a commen that Maradona did foolish things, but never on the pitch. By the way I love diego, best player of all time and yes a legend. While at Barca I remember him using a corner flag to beat someone right before he did a flying kick on an opponent.
Anything else??
Im still waiting for all the people so critical of Zidane to explain why they seemed to brush Sheva headbutt under the carpet.
As for Maldini, he is a class act who defends by defending. Matta as you call him defends by intimidating and at times violently attacking opponents. any comparison is obsurd. Just ask Sheva or Inzaghi who have suffered his abuse.
I still haven't even seen the footage of Shev's headbutt, but my guess is the outrage vs ZZ is that he clearly headbutted an ooponent and then won the Golden Ball...and what is Fifa's stand about sportsmanship. The choice has made the award totally meaningless.
As for Mata...does he not play for Inter? After a very short report I read the other day, I was wondering how he got selected? I mean, if you want to get picky about it. :musk:
I still haven't even seen the footage of Shev's headbutt, but my guess is the outrage vs ZZ is that he clearly headbutted an ooponent and then won the Golden Ball...and what is Fifa's stand about sportsmanship. The choice has made the award totally meaningless.
Excellent answer..
Disgrace was the first thing I thought of as I watched ZZ headbutt Matrix (whom I have no great love for anyway). I don't care what marco said, it makes no difference what was said.....I doubt it was the worst ever said on the pitch and will no doubt not be the last. ZZ is a professional and should act accordingly, I won't condone it from one of the greats nor the lowliest player. ( I remember when Paolo gave a good kick to Bierhoff a few years ago in a match & was, hate to say, deservedly banned for a match).
I was also disappointed with the 'apology but not really an apology', great PR move though.
Shame that what many will remember - especially the casual viewer - of this WC will be this sad incident. The vote for the golden ball to ZZ should be rescinded.
I still haven't even seen the footage of Shev's headbutt, but my guess is the outrage vs ZZ is that he clearly headbutted an ooponent and then won the Golden Ball...and what is Fifa's stand about sportsmanship. The choice has made the award totally meaningless.
So why no outrage over Sheva winning the ballon dor, I remember every single person on these boards wanting Sheva to win all awards that year.
Well, now you've got me confused...when was Shev's alleged headbutt? You were making it sound like it was during WC06. And it could be we all wanted a Milan player to win something for once. Was there outrage whenever this headbutt happened? You keep harping on this, so what is it you want from us? Shall we call Shev a scrourge on the game same as ZZ's actions were just a week ago?
Well if you are going to label Zidane a scrourge on the game for headbutting an opponent and be upset about him winning a player of the tournament award then.....you shouldnt have double standards and you should also call Sheva a scrourge on the game for headbutting Matterazi in the CL game against Inter and you shouldnt have been in support of this particular Milan player winning the balon dor either for his actions which incidentally was a headbutt on none other than Matarazzi.
I cant make it any more simpler than that for you. Il stop harping on about people's lack of memory when it suits them when they stop harping on about one mistake a player made.
yousufshakeel65
17-07-2006, 18:12
Zidane given golden ball
I mean...:D!
Cannavaro deserved it !!
This guy humiliates himself infront of billions of people...Big time!!!
But still gets the golden ball
Cannavaro wouldn't care now cause he's won the World Cup! But at least he'll wonder what he had to do to beat Zidane???
Defend his ass off???
Bad decision really!
it should have been cannavaro..... for a defender to play 1st match thru to last, (all matches, every single minute) without getting even 1 card, with 4 different defense partners and still not put a single foot wrong, is smth.... AND HE ONLY CONCEDED A SINGLE free kick, that too only in the final to ribery - 25 yards out...
it seems that 2 win GOLDEN BALL, all u have to do is say u'll retire after the tournament.... then play the worst 2 matches of ur life in the 1st 2 matches, picking up 2 yellows. and hence sitting out of the 3rd
if ur team qualifies, u play one 'okay' match and 1 outstanding match, later again an 'okay' match... where u take the penalty,.. later in the final, headbutt a player in front of 2.75 billion people all over the world, express dissatisfaction, to show ur 'cleanliness' and then get red carded.....
ALL THOSE JOURNALISTS WHO VOTED FOR ZIDANE CAN GO TO HELL,
I dont give a **** abt the shoe.!!!!!!
THe bottom line is IIIIIITTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIAAAAA ar3e the world champions, FORZA MATRIX, FORZA CANNAVARO, FORZA BUFFON, but espacially FORZA GROSSO,
WE ARE WE ARE WE ARE THE CHAMPS, WE ARE WE ARE WE ARE THE CHAMPS,
FORRRRRZZZAA AAAZZZUUURRRIII, GLI AZZURRI, GRANDE AZZURRI!!!!!
WE ACHIEVE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DREAM OF!!!!!!!!
I badly wanted to see Juve in SerieB, but right now I couldnt care less about it. Infact I have so many Juventinos to thank for it, CANNAVARO GRANDE CAPITINO, BUFFON, ZAMBROTTA, CAMRONESI and OF ALL TREZAGUET :p :p.
ITALIANO CAMPIANO
NOW IS THE TIME WHEN ALL THE PAIN OF THE PREVIOUS SEASONS IS WASHED AWAY!!!
The dreaded Liverpool CL truimph, Villareal getting better of Inter, Barcelona getting thru coz Milan's goal was disallowed, ANd all those seem like such a distant memory now.
We have won the most important trophy that is ther to win. GGGGRRAAANNNDDDEEE MATRIX, the heart of steel that guy has. And the crap that he got from the fans for bieng chosen for Italian squad, he has proved them worng. ALL WRONG. GRANDE MATRIX AND how can i forget gattuso with whom i fell in love with during the tournament, the kind of grit he shows is unseen of, FORZA GATTUSO U SO BADLY WANTED THE TROPHY, U GOT IT, AND FORZA PIRLO FOR UR WONDERFUL CROSSES WHICH ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD :5guitar:
FIFA could have avoided this embarassing situation for them if in the first place, they conducted the polls AFTER the World Cup was over.
Award was mostly decided before the race was over.
Zidane is a great player in his career as a whole, but the definition of this award is the best player for the World Cup tournament (unless you count headbutting as excellent play).
Who knows, we could have had history with 3 Italians for all Golden Ball Award places!
I'm not saying Mata is innocent, not in the least. What we don't know is what actually occurred between the 2 of them. I'm sure there was some trash talk, and I'm also sure it wasn't one-sided, ie only from Mata. So it could have been trash talk from Mata that set ZZ off, or it could have been the frustration of being closely marked the entire game, do we really know? And yes, it obviously does take two to tango. What replays in my mind is that Mata was done speaking and was moving away, and we all thought ZZ was as well...no one's lips were moving...and then the headbutt. That's what I saw along with a very snotty, smug look from ZZ when he felt he was going to get away with such an action. Lasting impressions stick with me. As for Mata, he does need to keep his big mouth shut, as there are obviously other ways to defend and mark your man!! I don't condone the trash talk any more than I can condone a great player losing his cool and headbutting an opponent.
heres where ur wrong, look at the replays again, from the start of thw whole discussion, they both wait for the cross to come in, materazzi has zidanes shirt by his hands though nothing serious, and says something, zidane replies and walks away, materazzi says something and zidane turns around walks up to him and hits him
I still haven't even seen the footage of Shev's headbutt, but my guess is the outrage vs ZZ is that he clearly headbutted an ooponent and then won the Golden Ball...and what is Fifa's stand about sportsmanship. The choice has made the award totally meaningless.
As for Mata...does he not play for Inter? After a very short report I read the other day, I was wondering how he got selected? I mean, if you want to get picky about it.
this is also unfair on zidane, you cant blame him for winning the trophy even if he didnt hit materazzi, you cant even blame fifa since this trophy goes to player based on the number of votes they receive on the official worldcup website
Right and we'd never want Fifa to say "oh there's something wrong here" b/c they are infallible.
That's the one thing I've observed about these ruling bodies in the game, probably in any sport, no one can say "we made a mistake." :stress:
this is also unfair on zidane, you cant blame him for winning the trophy even if he didnt hit materazzi, you cant even blame fifa since this trophy goes to player based on the number of votes they receive on the official worldcup website
By the way, for the trophy, the votes are not based on website votes. This was only a poll.
"The adidas Golden Ball award is presented to the outstanding player at each FIFA World Cup™ finals, with a shortlist drawn up by the FIFA technical committee and the winner voted for by representatives of the media."
then howecome everyone is saying zidane won it because of the votes he got prior to the final
then howecome everyone is saying zidane won it because of the votes he got prior to the final
Because FIFA themselves said the majority of the votes were already cast by half-time of the final!
Again, there's something amiss on how this was conducted...maybe this could be an improvement for next World Cup...
This WC golden ball is really shame for FIFA, it is manipulated for the commercial interest of sponsors. ZZ works for Addidas Cana does't, it is as simple as that. Same as Italy ranks second in Cocacola table (because Italy shirt is blue which colour hated from gut of all cocacola staffs and management). For this kind of prize I don't really care who gets it, it is meaningless.
Despite the incident, Zidane went on to win the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player and despite suggestions to the contrary, Fifa has confirmed the Frenchman will be allowed to keep the award.
"It wasn't even discussed at the meeting," said Fifa spokesman Andreas Herren.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5198796.stm
zZ[-_-]Zz
22-07-2006, 21:46
FIFA's foul system - Andrew Orsatti
The mere fact Zinedine Zidane was allowed to accept the Golden Ball in the first instance has exposed a flawed system that rewards foul play.
FIFA did not decide which player was the best at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the media did, but the world governing body ultimately stamps its seal of approval and determines the finer points of how votes should be allocated.
How can a player be suspended, as Zidane was during the group stage for collecting two yellow cards, and be sent off, yet still qualify to receive the tournament’s most prestigious individual award? It is an embarrassing oversight by FIFA.
It would never have come to this if the basic rules of fair play had been applied in the original voting process.
You need not look far for an example of a simple and effective system that tries to recognise both the best and fairest qualities. AFL’s Brownlow Medal does exactly that, disqualifying any player with an imperfect disciplinary record.
Players who are suspended at some stage during the AFL season are ineligible for the Brownlow Medal. Corey McKernen and Chris Grant know the feeling well. They are still seen as having accumulated the most votes, but there is no official endorsement.
In football, though, anything goes. Even FIFA’s Player of the Year award, won by Ronaldinho the last two years, places the emphasis on performance rather than sportsmanship, whereas in AFL it is the other way around.
It raises the question whether FIFA’s on-field priorities actually revolve, as it says, around fair play. That may be the face it wants to present in public, by way of children carrying a yellow banner before each match stating it plays by the rules, ‘For the Good of the Game’, and all that nonsense, but the reality is different.
If upholding these ideals is not important, then why did Brazil and Spain jointly receive a fair play award at this year’s World Cup? It seems like a token gesture since nobody really cares about which team was the fairest once the final has produced the real winner.
What does that fair play award mean, though, and on what basis was it decided? Average number of fouls committed per match? Yellow and red cards? Whatever the criteria, it should apply to individuals as well, not just overall team behaviour.
For the record, Zidane received 2,012 votes, closely followed by Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro with 1,977, and his team-mate Andrea Pirlo was a distant third on 715.
To quote a report from FIFA’s official website, this is how the race for the Golden Ball panned out between Zidane and Cannavaro:
Zidane: After a less than impressive showing from France in the group phase, Zidane finally got into gear against Spain in the Round of 16, producing a virtually flawless performance to steer his side to a famous win and a place in the last eight.
If there is such a thing as footballing perfection, the midfield maestro surely attained it in the quarter-final showdown with Brazil. His superb passes, magical feints and all-round inspiration took France into the last four, where a solid performance and a clinical penalty helped Les Bleus dispose of Portugal.
Cannavaro: The honour of lifting the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy fell instead to Cannavaro. The Italy captain was in inspired form throughout the tournament and was the cornerstone of a superbly drilled back-line that conceded only two goals.
So, it would seem FIFA admits Zidane went to sleep during the group stage before waking up in the round of 16. His performances thereafter are not in question. Whereas, Cannavaro, who lost by a measly 35 votes, was incredibly influential from day one in a team that won the World Cup.
What FIFA does not say is that Zidane was booked against Switzerland and Korea Republic, amounting to a one-match suspension for France’s last group match against Togo, not to mention sent off for his bizarre attack on Marco Materazzi in the final.
FIFA broke from tradition to allow voting media representatives the opportunity to lodge their selections after the World Cup final, unlike previous tournaments when the deadline might have been at half-time of the third place play-off.
This time though, there was time to take almost everything in to account, including Zidane’s red card offence. In theory that is. By then, most journalists had cast their votes before the match, when it was probably convenient during a rare break in their hectic schedule.
Given the final stretched out until the last possible scenario, a penalty shoot-out, did not help either. Trust me when I say time is scarce as a working journalist at the World Cup. You can barely breathe between covering 64 matches in 30 odd days.
All that aside, irrespective of what the media thought, where was FIFA throughout this process? If the powers that be wish to rid the game of foul play, why applaud Zidane? FIFA should have used his example to make a statement that such behaviour is unacceptable in a civilised world.
Nobody more than Zidane is aware of the potentially damaging legacy he left for the millions of youngsters playing the game. He apologised to them above everyone else. FIFA also made a serious mistake, but it can use the Zidane fiasco to learn and avoid any kind of repeat scenario in South Africa, 2010, and beyond.
By the way, Cannavaro not only excelled, he played every minute of all seven matches, including two periods of extra-time, and did not receive a single yellow card, let alone a red one. In fact, he only committed 11 fouls, one less than Zidane. That statistic in itself deserves recognition since defensively orientated players usually tackle far more often than anyone else on the pitch.
There are other factors dwelling in our subconscious when rewarding footballers. Defence is a very different art form compared with the gentle brush strokes of a gifted playmaker like Zidane, who brings creativity and goals to the game in his own unique sense. I would argue one is not more important than the other, although players like Zidane are often described as match winners. In a flash of individual brilliance, they might prove the difference.
Cannavaro appears to be the latest victim in a never-ending saga in which defenders rarely receive the accolades they deserve. Two other outstanding Italian defenders, Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini, were also overlooked for individual awards at various stages of their illustrious careers.
Zidane is a genius – for some critics the greatest player ever – but Cannavaro could very well be his equivalent of sorts, displaying his supreme understanding of the game at the other end of the field. If play stopped, the same way goals are celebrated, every time Cannavaro came to Italy’s rescue with a piece of dynamic defending, he would have won the Golden Ball by a healthy margin.
During our coverage of the final on SBS, Australian international Brett Emerton, former national coach Rale Rasic and Newcastle United Jets boss Nick Theodorakopoulos all agreed Cannavaro was the best player at Germany 2006. They were not overly concerned about fair play, but half an hour after seeing Zidane implode might have helped them make up their minds.
Zidane turned up for half the tournament, the most important half in all honesty, while constantly making headlines about his impending retirement and his refusal to go quietly. I believe that played a part as well, swinging the sentimental vote in the Frenchman’s favour. A Zidane only comes around once in a lifetime and maybe the football community felt obliged to say thank you.
Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is this, Zidane broke the laws of the football land and yet he still walks as a free man. Materazzi may have provoked him, but men of intelligence laugh it off, show restraint and do not throw the first punch. Zidane could have dealt with it after the match, away from the glare of over two billion TV viewers worldwide.
Bottom line, we can either question the media people who voted for Zidane or take the issue to those responsible for the protecting the international game at FIFA House in Zurich.
I hope once all is said and done, when common sense finally prevails, the Zidane example will become a reference point for future FIFA tournaments.
In a game of occasional confusion, governed on the pitch by the subjectiveness of impressionable referees, it is vital to the credibility of football to simplify and embrace the requirements of fair play at every opportunity.
http://203.15.102.152/opinions/index.php?pid=st&cid=73484&ct=30
a brilliant article from Andrew Orsatti... couldn't agree more...
I dun dislike Zidane, I'm fact I think he is a very good player.. is just that, dunno.. I liked More Pirlo and Canna. this WC! :u56:
"zidane's headbut marks the closest a frenchman in uniform has come to actual combat in almost sixty years"
- Jay Leno
ukrainian_CA
01-08-2006, 01:11
"zidane's headbut marks the closest a frenchman in uniform has come to actual combat in almost sixty years"
- Jay Leno
Excellent joke, btw!
kaka's girl
10-08-2006, 04:39
Anyway ,Canna is the best player at the World Cup this year .Zidane ? No way .His headbutt proves us that he's no genius , no legend at all , I wonder why FIFA couldn't make a justice decision ( midfielders and forwards are always the best , we must accpet it as the truth)So sad, so sick!!!!
marco lee
09-06-2007, 00:24
If van basten had played thru 1994,95,96, he would have won
5 European Fottballer Of The Year
4 Golden Ball
Agree or not ?
4 World Player Of The Year.
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