Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi | Germany 2006 | FIFA World Cup

Summary

This video chronicles the dramatic final moments of Zinedine Zidane’s football career during the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. After guiding France to the final with extraordinary performances, Zidane scored a stunning goal against Italy, but tensions escalated. In extra time, Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi after a verbal exchange, resulting in his red card and leaving his career ending in controversy. Despite Zidane’s moment of brilliance, Italy won the World Cup in a penalty shootout. The iconic image of Zidane walking off the pitch alone marked the end of his legendary, yet flawed, career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest football players, played his last professional game in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.
• 😀 Zidane, aged 34, was initially retired from international football but came back to lead France in the 2006 World Cup.
• 😀 Zidane's performances throughout the tournament were exceptional, with key goals and assists leading France to the final.
• 😀 He scored in the Round of 16 against Spain, assisted in a win against Brazil, and scored again in the semi-final against Portugal.
• 😀 Zidane won the Adidas Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, showcasing his immense skill and leadership.
• 😀 In the World Cup final, Zidane gave France the lead with a stunning goal, only for Italy to equalize minutes later.
• 😀 Italy's Marco Materazzi scored the equalizer, and Zidane and Materazzi both contributed to the goals in the final.
• 😀 Zidane's career came to a shocking end when he headbutted Materazzi in extra time, earning a red card and being sent off.
• 😀 Despite Zidane's red card, the match continued to a penalty shootout, where Italy remained composed and won the World Cup.
• 😀 One of the most iconic images of the 2006 World Cup is of Zidane's lonely walk past the trophy after being sent off, marking the end of his legendary career.

Q & A

What was the significance of Zidane's participation in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final?

Zidane's participation in the 2006 World Cup final was significant because it was his last professional match. Despite retiring from international football two years prior, he was persuaded to return at the age of 34, where he led France to the final, almost single-handedly.

How did Zidane perform during the 2006 World Cup leading up to the final?

Zidane had a stellar performance throughout the 2006 World Cup. He scored in the round of 16 against Spain, in the semi-final against Portugal, and assisted Thierry Henry's goal in the quarterfinal against Brazil. His leadership and skill earned him the Adidas Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player.

What was the moment that captured global attention during the World Cup final?

The moment that captured global attention in the World Cup final was Zidane's headbutt on Marco Materazzi, which led to his red card. This shocking incident occurred just before the match went to a penalty shootout, overshadowing his earlier goal in the match.

What was Zidane's goal like in the World Cup final?

Zidane's goal in the final was a stunning penalty taken in an audacious fashion, giving France a 1-0 lead. It was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure.

How did Italy respond after Zidane's goal in the final?

After Zidane's goal, Italy equalized less than 12 minutes later with a header from Marco Materazzi, off a corner kick. The match was tied, and the drama continued into extra time.

What happened during the extra time of the World Cup final?

During extra time, Zidane had an opportunity to score again with a header, but it was not as precise as his previous headers in earlier World Cup finals. The match continued with increasing tension, eventually leading to Zidane’s controversial red card.

What led to Zidane being sent off during the World Cup final?

Zidane was sent off after an exchange of words with Marco Materazzi. In response, Zidane headbutted Materazzi in the chest, an action that resulted in a red card and his ejection from the game, marking a shocking end to his career.

How did Zidane's red card affect the outcome of the match?

Zidane’s red card had a significant impact on the match, as it left France without their captain and most influential player. Despite the loss of Zidane, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, which Italy ultimately won, clinching the World Cup.

What was the iconic image from the 2006 World Cup final?

The most iconic image from the 2006 World Cup final is not of the winning captain lifting the trophy, but of Zidane walking past the trophy alone after his red card. This image has become symbolic of the tragic end to his career.

How is Zidane remembered in relation to his World Cup final performance?

Zidane is remembered as a footballing genius who had a moment of madness in his final match. His performance in the World Cup, leading France to the final and scoring a memorable goal, was overshadowed by his red card. However, he remains a legend in football history.